FROM THE EDITOR
SPRING IS IN FULL SWING
with the days getting longer and temperatures getting warmer. So, our travel issue includes features on Australia, Gay Wine Weekend in Sonoma County, and sailing the high seas to the Mexican Riviera with Drag Me To Sea, just to start you thinking about planning some adventures. And speaking of warmer weather, that means pool party season is almost here, and the official start of summer with GED and LE Parties’ 3rd Annual Sun Vibes Pool Party on Memorial Day Weekend (Saturday, May 24th) at our NEW VENUE the ACE HOTEL & SWIM CLUB. We are beyond excited about having a new home for this inclusive event. And, for the first time, NBC Palm Springs is presenting the PEACOCK LOUNGE – a VIP experience complete with swag bags, private bar, snacks, private bathrooms, a bird’s eye view of all the action, and celebrity guests. Visit GEDmag.com for Sun Vibes tickets and information.
GED also presents two charity bingos each month – Ethyl’s Place Bingo at The Roost Lounge on the second Sunday of
each month, and Bow Wow Bingo at Boozehounds Palm Springs on the last Wednesday of each month. Click “GED Magazine Events” on the menu bar at GEDmag.com and you’ll get the full calendar of happenings and ticketing.
As always, the GED Magazine Team is committed to bringing you the best in LGBTQ entertainment, travel, and lifestyles. Sign up for our monthly insider newsletter. Insiders will automatically be entered into future drawings for trips, event tickets, dinners and more. And for all the updates on social media, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky @GEDmagazine
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Model: David Archuleta
Photo by: Irvin Rivera
SIMPLE MEXICAN PLEASURES -- San Francisco: I’ve written quite a bit recently about San Francisco’s New Conservatory Theatre Center, but they are one of only three gay theatre companies in California in continuous production. This month’s offering is called Simple Mexican Pleasures. Heartbroken from a breakup, Eric, an Asian, does what many do – denies the pain and skips town. But he finds it’s hard to enjoy a pozole in peace when the spirits of your ancestors are squabbling in both ears. Through raucous conversation with his ghostly guides and a surreally hot hookup, Eric’s impulsive trip to Mexico City awakens his need for identity, familial ties, and a deeper connection to his roots. This is the world premier of the script written by Eric Reyes Loo. His autobiographical play Death and Cockroaches was produced in 2018, by Chalk Rep in Los Angeles. In addition, Eric is a television writer/producer on Guidance for AwesomenessTV/Hulu, and A.J. and the Queen on Netflix. Simple Mexican Pleasures plays 4/4 – 5/11. www.nctsf.org
THE CAKE -- Palm Springs: Palm Springs LGBTQ+ theatre company, The Bent, is earning a very eager following. This month’s production is The Cake. On June 4, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 7-2 in favor of a male Colorado baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a male same sex couple, citing his religious beliefs and first amendment rights. This decision followed years of similar interactions across the United States between bakers who refused to honor gay marriages and pairs who wanted to tie the knot. In The Cake, the couple are lesbian millennials and the baker is a middle-aged woman. Three cheers for The Bent bringing lesbian-centric plays to what is probably the gayest city in America, and everything of theirs that I have seen has been terrific. Plays 4/4 – 12. www.TheBent.org
THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL A BEAUTIFUL NOISE – Various: Ever since Jersey Boys set box office records, we have had musical biographies pelting Broadway, sometimes with multiples per season. The Cher Show, (Donna) Summer The Musical, MJ the Musical, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough the True Story of the Temptations; and A Wonderful World, a musical about Louis Armstrong which opens on Broadway next month. Along the way, one of the most successful bio-musicals is The Neil Diamond Musical A Beautiful Noise. It is a jukebox musical based on the life and music of Neil Diamond. It opened on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre on December 4, 2022, and grossed more than $1 million at the box office in the week leading up to its Broadway premiere. It finished its Broadway run on 30 June 2024, and is now touring the country, coming to California starting next month. You know every one of the songs (though I hope they discourage singing along – a very upsetting practice that is happening in popular shows such as Wicked). You’re still welcome to tap your toes, and I think all of us have some very vivid memories that will be brought forth listening to these songs. Plays San Diego Civic 5/27 – 6/1; San Francisco Golden Gate 6/3 – 6/22; Hollywood Pantages 7/8 – 7/27; and Costa Mesa’s Segerstrom Center 7/29 – 8/10.
LIFE OF PI – Various: Life of Pi is a Canadian philosophical novel by Yann Martel published in 2001. The protagonist is Piscine Molitor “Pi” Patel, an Indian boy from Pondicherry, who explores issues of spirituality and metaphysics from an early age. After a shipwreck, he survives 227 days while stranded on a lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker and an orangutan named Orange Juice along with several other zoo animals, raising questions about the nature of reality and how it is perceived and told. The novel sold over 10 million copies. In 2012 the story was released as a film directed by Ang Lee (Brokeback Mountain) and through CGI we found Pi floating aimlessly across the ocean with a tiger, an orangutan, and various other animals. But how on earth do they recreate the story as a stage play? I’ve seen a few photos but am eagerly awaiting its visit to Los Angeles to see how it’s done. Plays at the Los Angeles Ahmanson 5/7 – 6/1 and Costa Mesa’s Segerstrom Hall 6/3 – 15.
™ LUNCH. HAPPY HOUR. DINNER.
THORGY THOR
MUSIC AND DRAG ARE TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN FOR THIS QUEEN
BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ
Thorgy Thor, as powered by artist Shane Thor Galligan (Thor G., get it?), is a whirlwind of talent and energy. A musical impresario since youth, she is a maven of the orchestra. She came to international drag acclaim for her appearance on RuPaul’s Drag Race 8th season and later on All Stars season 3. After her debut appearance on Drag Race, she married her passion for music with drag and created Thorgy and the Thorchestra, touring the globe in sold-out performances in just about every major venue, including Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center. She has not slowed down, although the current government restrictions are already having a domino effect on this year’s bookings. Not one to be swayed, she continues the good fight. On the books is a stint on the DragMe2Sea cruise with a bevy of other big drag names.
High energy and being a bit different than everyone else is just part of Thorgy’s make up, even since childhood. Music would ultimately become her safe space. I was a wackadoo kid, very crazy. My mother passed away when I was very young, but she used to tell all these stories. She was like, “We were always exhausted as your parents because you were always the kid with way too much energy. We would look over and you would be climbing a mountain. Where is Shane?” So, they put me in every single thing possible to expend that energy somewhere else. I was always active in sports and everything, arts and crafts. Eventually, I had music, which was really, really great.
It was nice to sit in an orchestra setting, leading the pack, I was usually up at the front as a concertmaster. It was nice to have that kind of tourniquet because it kind of controls you. When you look at an orchestra, the one person standing out doesn’t fit in, right? I was always standing out everywhere else, but it was nice to actually calm my brain down. It was a different challenge for me to sit down and calm down. It was a whole different thing, but it was nice because it balanced me out and it taught me discipline and focus.
Thorgy’s first exposure to drag was as a ten-yearold boy watching To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar with his gay uncle.
I was just like, “Oh, this is who I am. This is who I’m meant to be!” As any gay kid, when they see something that speaks to them, it speaks to them hard. It’s bright and it’s like, this is it, it sings to them.
Thorgy’s first time appearing in drag was as a theatre kid dressing up like Rocky Horror’s Frank N. Furter. Thorgy never had a drag mother and is completely self-taught. Growing up, she would shape-shift into many different looks and be a part of many different cliques, building her aesthetic into knowing exactly what she wanted Thorgy to be.
Once you catch the drag bug, you never stop. I was still in the conservatory, I was taking classes all day, studying violin and viola. Then at night, I would just be in drag. I’d be at thrift stores; I bought a sewing machine. I was like, I have to learn how to sew, make my own looks. I was doing all of
this all of the time. It was nice because I never gave up either discipline.
Thorgy started submitting to Drag Race early on at the show’s debut, season 1. She would finally appear in season 8.
My first audition tape was the best tape I’ve ever made. They wrote me back after my first one, and this is when RuPaul was sending handwritten messages to everybody that auditioned because it was so few. They were like, listen, you’re on our radar for season two. Don’t make it so much of a senior
film project. It was really edited and I made it really creative. So I stopped for a while, but eight seasons later, I finally got on. Ru came up to me and said, “You know, we’ve been watching you for a long time and I just felt like you were ready this season.” I thought, “Ready to be eliminated? Got it.”
Music and drag are two sides of the same coin for Thorgy. She quickly established her own brand and box office presence outside of the Drag Race franchise. I always talk about drag in the
same way (as music). I talk about the discipline that it takes and the study and the time and the craft and the intelligence and the perfectionism of drag. You’re your own self-critic. I’m very critical of everything I do. So, I always knew I was critical of drag and being like, oh, everything in drag has to be kind of perfect, like the violin. It was inevitable that I was going to combine them. And I really pat myself on the back so many years later that I never gave up either one.
I taught and played for orchestras all day long, and then I would be up until five o’clock in the morning at the drag club on a Monday night, doing shows for $16 and tips. And it was sad and gross, but it built character. And that was just Brooklyn, I was Brooklyn drag, like the OG. There was nobody teaching us, it was just sloppy basement clubs for no money. But we all experimented there and that’s when I was like, I have to bring my violin. I played violin a lot in drag. People were saying - you’re so different.
During her final moments on Drag Race, Thorgy came out as a musician and orchestra maven. She immediately received thousands of emails from musicians who wanted to join her orchestra, musicians who did not feel heard or safe to be themselves in conservative settings. The foundation for Thorgy’s Thorchestra was being laid. Thorgy would soon be following musicians like Renée Fleming and Itzhak Perlman, selling out performances with the likes of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Symphony Nova Scotia. Her drag persona was not limiting her music career, quite the opposite.
If anything, I would probably still be sitting in some seat in some orchestra. It’s nice because I was playing with a lot of freelance orchestras once I moved to New York City. And because I do drag and because I didn’t give it up, and because I believe in my heart of hearts that what I’m doing, expressing myself as a genderless cartoon character, running around Planet Earth playing violin, I’m now selling out theaters playing with the New York Philharmonic.
Cut to our current political climate.
Thorgy’s name and image were directly used in the government’s campaign to restrict LGBTQ programming at art venues, specifically The Kennedy Center. Already, Thorgy has had major contracts that were already in motion and now canceled.
It fueled me, it enraged me because I thought, what’s next? I make a living; I make a career out of doing drag. Every interview that I do with every orchestra, I say, listen, there’s nothing wrong with bringing a little glamor and a little humor to the stage in such a professional musical and symphonic world. There’s so much history there, but I’m adding to it. Times are changing, and I have just as much right to be there as anybody else. The show is magnificent. It brings everyone joy. It just feels like it’s going back. I feel attacked. It’s going backward in time. Everything we’ve fought for, it’s now backward. It’s an attack. It’s strange. I add a little gayness to it and everyone loves it. Now, what’s the problem?
And not that I should even have to say this and defend what I do, but I’m just saying to anybody out there, it’s not like I’m going on the stage and doing a political rights or LGBT activist show and trying to change everyone’s minds and scare them with political jargon. I’m out there and I feel like what I do alone is an act of rebellion for people who maybe want to squash what I do or are in opposition and I kill them with kindness because I’m always up there and I’m always like, well, you can come to the show too. I’m not fighting with you. But what I do, I believe in, in my heart of hearts, that what I’m doing is right. And I’ve been doing it for 24 years. It’s just weird that at home it’s where the enemy is. It’s so weird that I’m not protected to just do what I was built to do naturally and to make me feel wrong about it. And next is, we’re going to go smaller. Then we’re going to weed out the gay bars. It’s not something that might happen. It is happening. We’re in the middle of it.
On a lighter note, Thorgy is looking forward to bringing her antics to the DragMe2Sea cruise alongside Sister Roma, Detox, and Cynthia Lee Fon-
taine, among others. Thorgy wants to break from her conservative side and do some adult bingo shenanigans. But part of her overall legacy is bringing audiences together who might never mix and mingle, she is reinvigorating a Drag Race audience into classical music, she is adding some glamour to older audiences who are sitting alongside queer youth, all enjoying the universal language of music.
Thorgy is looking forward to performing with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, North Shore Pride Symphony
Orchestra, hopefully a return to London Pride, and for sure, her extensive Christmas tour. And her message to her fans? You have to support the queens. You have to come out, you have to support your artists, support. You have to buy a ticket to the show, come out. But you have to get out of your house. You have to put your phone down every once in a while. Talk to me, experience something.
Visit Thorgy.com
DISCOVERING HIS FREEDOM
BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ
D DAVID ARCHU LETA
avid Archuleta became a household name 17 years ago when he first appeared on the 7th season of American Idol. Since then, his life has been a rollercoaster of a journey in self-discovery with his coming out and his relationships with religion and sexuality being put in the media spotlight. Over that time, he has gained confidence and found a voice all his own. Throughout the years, his fan base has remained fierce and loyal.
I feel like I’m in a developmental stage of my life. I feel like I’m figuring myself out. I’m not sure what it is that is keeping people engaged in what I’m doing. I guess maybe just the story, the history that they have with me makes them feel connected and tied to me. If they find a thread that ties everything from history to where I’m at now that makes sense to them, then that is amazing. And I love that. People saw me as a boy next door on American Idol to now having a party in WeHo at the Abbey. I feel like it is a pretty wild ride. So, if they can follow along, then amazing because they’re in for a ride.
Along with his self-discovery, David’s music has evolved. It is more mature, more sensual, and more unapologetic. In David’s opinion, has he found his voice, so to speak?
I feel like I’m with myself, but I’m just constantly discovering. Who I am is someone who’s curious and open to experiencing what life has to offer. So, in that sense, I feel like, yeah, I’ll dip my toes here and there. I’ll explore an area of life for a moment temporarily, and then I’ll be like, okay, that was nice, and now I’m going to move on to the next part because there are so many different aspects of life. I don’t want to just be one way, one-sided my whole life just because this is the brand that works for me. I wish I could because that would make more sense, be more consistent. But I’m still in discovery mode, so I haven’t quite found what my thing is yet. But I feel like my thing is the curiosity in this experimentation of who I am as a human being.
His latest, hot off-the-press single, “Crème Brûlée,” is bold and sexy, capturing David’s flirty side as well as incorporating aspects of his Latin roots. His vocal range soars as he sings in Spanish and English, paying homage to his heritage.
It’s always been part of me, but I’ve just have always shied away from it. I think I’ve always been self-conscious of not being Hispanic enough for the community, even though I did
Latin things when I first came onto the scene, The Latin community was very proud that I was representing them. I was part of “Somos el Mundo” (We Are the World), I received an ALMA award, so it’s always been there. It’s not like my all-consuming identity, but I feel like I’m a perfect example of what America stands for, which is a melting pot and mixture of different backgrounds and cultures. My dad grew up in Utah, so very just Western-American, Mormon culture mixed with the Latin flair of my mom who grew up on the coast of Central America and then migrated here as an immigrant with her family.
So that blend is what makes David David, it’s not just one asset. Maybe that’s why I like to explore different things and not be pinned down by just one, because I relate to several different things and identities.
In “Crème Brûlée,” we get to see David dance freely. The choreography is top-notch and intricate, directed by Nathan Kim who has also worked with Charli XCX, David Guetta, and Lady Gaga. David holds his own alongside the JA Collective dance trio and dances with vigor and sensuality.
It’s so fun. Letting go of my Mormon roots and embracing the LGBTQ community along with the rave community is about just exploring who you are and being free and feeling liberated. Everything that you may have grown up with, you put it aside for a little bit and just get lost in the moment and in the music and in the rhythm, and don’t care how you’re moving to it. And not being worried about being so uncivil and such a wild child. You’re supposed to be compórtate bien, to behave, be disciplined and conform to the image of what the rest of your community thinks is acceptable and challenging. I’m just now okay with challenging myself to be more nonconforming because it has been hard to get out of that. 2024 I started as I got into raves, but 2025 is when I’m finally not caring about my public image or what people will think of me. Conforming was so much of my identity before, it was cultural to conform and slip in line.
It is fitting that David kicked off 2025 with his version of George Michael’s hit anthem “Freedom,” celebrating its 35th anniversary. David was born the same year it came out, and now he has put his stamp on the song while drawing inspiration from Michael’s life.
I think he’s a perfect example of not conforming and not feeling shame. I come from a background where shame was good. Shame was the right thing to feel because it made you step back in line; made you feel guilty for not being like everyone else. George Michael started in the eyes of the public as a teenage heartthrob. Everyone wanted him to be their man - guys and girls. Then he gets outed in a culture where people were like, you should feel ashamed of yourself, step back in line and let’s try and cancel him.
He completely owned it. He was like, “What are you gonna do about it? Now you know, and now I’m gonna just fully milk it for all that it is now and be non-conforming and be outrageous.” Power to him. His releasing “Freedom” was basically giving himself that space and kind of demanding that from people, to allow him to be free. He wasn’t asking for permission. In a way he kind of was begging for people to see him for who he was, but he was not asking people permission for what he was going to do next. But I think he did seek space for people like him to be, and exist, and explore, and discover themselves. That is why I had to do a cover of that song and pay homage to what he stood for.
David is enjoying his newfound confidence and voice, and so are his fans, at the same time the queer community continues to face adversity from the political world. It is a juxtaposition that is not lost on him. In fact, it is the right time to release more music.
Especially for the trans community, I feel like politics needs to form an enemy for the people to unite against. It’s easy to pick a minority group and make them pay their safety. They’re being seen and understood to distract from who the real villain is because trans people are not the villain, but they’re very much painted out to be that way. I
“LETTING GO OF MY MORMON ROOTS AND EMBRACING THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY ALONG WITH THE RAVE COMMUNITY IS ABOUT JUST EXPLORING WHO YOU ARE AND BEING FREE AND FEELING LIBERATED.”
THIS
feel like letting people live their lives, especially when it has no impact on you, they’re not the enemy that you are being told. I just can’t believe people are being blamed when they’re such amazing fighters and good people. They’ve had to work hard to just exist and be and not get hate and not have to live in fear of their lives being taken by people who are transphobic and homophobic.
I think it’s a great time to send out a message to everyone the way that George Michael had to, he had to demand respect for who he was. And I think we’re in a time where that’s being challenged, but I feel like there has been a lot of progress made. We just have to work hard to maintain that respect and demand that respect. I feel like there’s fearmongering coming from both sides. Some people always look at politics as being one-sided, you can’t feed into that. There are not as many people who are out against you as the media tries to paint it.
Part of the attack on the queer community is a focus on the sexual part of our identities. Social media and the media have grabbed onto comments David has made on his platforms regarding the sexual journey he has been on. Dating, learning gay slang, and talking about sexual positions are now part of David’s language. For him, it is just part of the entire picture.
Straight people do it all the time. Everyone plays Maroon 5 at their weddings, at their parties, straight, and gay, and it’s super sexualized. They don’t care if their kids are listening to that, and they don’t feel threatened by it or anything. I do feel like sometimes it’s a little over-sexualizing the culture and conversations just because we forget that gay people and queer people were once kids and there are gay and queer kids. We were them; we were gay and queer kids but did not have anywhere to have a conversation. I think we need to just remember that there’s room for all aspects of being queer and gay, not just the oversexualized or the sexualized aspects of our life. There are wholesome everyday places for us in our lives as well. And
I’m excited about that too. I have very just sweet love songs that I’ve written to show that that’s a part of being queer and gay too.
I feel like sometimes gay and queer people feel to be gay and queer, you have to be very sexual because you have to be free with your sexuality, which I get. For me, the sensual side of my music right now is not because I’m queer, it’s because I’m a mature adult now. I’ve never given myself that chance, even when I was in the closet. I never gave myself that chance because it was not so much about my queerness, it was just the fact that I was very, very reserved and conservative and felt like I was not allowed to talk about sexuality or sensuality at all.
David has a lot on the horizon. “Crème Brûlée” is the first single of his upcoming EP release in the summer. He has also curated AFTERHOURS, a dance party mixing house and techno, alongside his musical performance. In between projects, he has been working on his memoir, making sure the narrative is just right. It has been bittersweet for him, revisiting some of the challenging points of his life.
And his message to his fans?
If you’ve observed anything, it is that sometimes it takes time to love yourself. It takes time to discover who you are in life, and where your place is, and it’s okay if it takes time, but the journey is worth it. The exploration of who you are and the trial and error of it, the falling and getting back up and allowing yourself to make mistakes as you discover yourself is worth it. I think a lot of people tell you, well, no, you can’t do that, that’s not okay. You should conform. I think it’s worth challenging what other people have told you. Let yourself experience all that life has to offer and see who you are.
I’m a completely different person and where I fit in life is such a different place. It’s a different color, it’s a different texture, it’s a different climate that I thrive in better. Be willing to explore all of those different places so that you can just say, “This is who I am, this is what works for me, and this is what speaks to my heart and brings me joy and excitement. You need to trial and error in order to find your place.
“Crème Brûlée” is now streaming on all major streaming platforms.
APRIL 2025
4 6 20 Tom Goss 7:30-9P
Corvo “At The Keys” 30 6-9P 6:30-9P
Marisa Corvo “At The Keys”
Foodie philanthropists across Greater Palm Springs are gearing up for one of the most impactful dining events of the year. Dining Out For Life® — the beloved North American annual fundraiser that has raised nearly $100 million to support people living with or affected by HIV since 1991 — returns to the desert on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
For more than two decades, DAP Health has led the charge locally, rallying full-time residents, snowbirds, and tourists alike to dine with purpose. Participating restaurants, bars, cafés, and bakeries across the Coachella Valley will generously donate anywhere from 30% to 110% of their entire day and night sales — not just the profits — to support DAP Health’s lifesaving programs and wraparound services.
Thanks to the enthusiastic backing of local food and beverage establishments, volunteers, and supporters, Greater Palm Springs consistently ranks as one of the nation’s most successful Dining Out For Life markets. In 2024, 75 participating venues helped raise over $280,000 — outpacing cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. This year, with more than 20,000 diners expected, Greater Palm Springs is setting its sights on securing the number one spot nationwide.
“And it’s more than possible that we’ll achieve that for 2025,” says DAP Health Chief of Brand Marketing Steven Henke, who will be kicking off the day reporting live for the fifth consecutive year as a special correspondent for media partner NBC Palm Springs. “Our local restaurants participate at a higher level, giving more generously. Our eager local foodies show their civic pride by sporting multiple colorful ‘I Dined’ stickers as badges of honor throughout the day and evening.”
Powerful Event Partners
As always, DAP Health’s generous media sponsors are committed to spreading the good word far and wide, led by the aforementioned NBC Palm Springs. Others stepping up in a big
DINING OUT FOR LIFE GREATER PALM SPRINGS 2025
MORE THAN 20,000 HUNGRY HUMANITARIANS WILL BE OUT IN FULL FORCE TO SUPPORT DAP HEALTH ON THURSDAY, APRIL 24, AS THE DESERT’S FAVORITE CULINARY BENEFIT RETURNS FOR ITS 21ST YEAR, AIMING TO TOP THE INTERNATIONAL LEADERBOARD.
way include GED Magazine, The Desert Sun, Alpha Media, The Standard Magazine, and KGAY radio.
DAP Health is excited to also announce new partnerships that will further amplify the event and drive diners to participating locations.
• For the first time, Visit Greater Palm Springs has signed on as a sponsor of the event, lending its keen insights around hospitality and tourism. In addition to promoting the event to local partners, the organization will be tapping its social media platforms and drive market bill-
boards to ensure this year’s event is on everyone’s must-do list.
• The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce has joined the communal effort, and is activating its ambassadors to help grow event participation in the cities it represents.
• Finally, the social-first content of local culinary social media influencers David Witzke and David Cox, of Dining With the Davids, will shine a bright light on participating locations while explaining how Dining Out For Life Greater Palm Springs makes a
meaningful impact in our community.
“At Visit Greater Palm Springs, we believe a thriving community is built on compassion, inclusivity, and support for those in need,” says VGPS VP of Government and Industry Relations Davis Meyer. “That’s why we’re honored to be a partner in DAP Health’s Dining Out For Life Greater Palm Springs 2025. This initiative not only brings people together over great food, but also fuels critical programs that provide health care and support services to our neighbors. By uniting hospitality and philanthropy, we can help create a healthier, stronger, and more connected Greater Palm Springs for everyone.”
“Every year, Dining Out For Life is such a great, win-win-win way for our countless supporters to come out and engage in a philanthropic feast,” adds DAP Health CEO David Brinkman. “With
the backing of three great new partnerships, plus our usual, much-appreciated endorsement from our many media partners, I fully expect this year to be the best one yet. So get those forks, spoons, and knives out and let’s go to town and eat our way to number one!”
Why DOFLGPS Matters
HIV is not over! According to the CDC — despite the relatively widespread availability of PrEP and PEP for the prevention of HIV — in 2022 in the U.S., there were 31,800 new HIV infections. For that same year, it is estimated that 1.2 million people over the age of 13 were living with HIV in America. Of those, only 87% were aware of their status, while 13% had not officially been tested and/or diagnosed.
Dining Out For Life is a national movement, with 50+ local HIV service organizations, 2,400+ participating restaurants, and 300,000+ diners raising over $4.5 million annually. Best of all, every dollar raised in Greater Palm Springs stays here, ensuring not only that those living with HIV receive the care and support they need, but that education and prevention efforts are protected and expanded.
How to Get Involved:
• Visit daphealth.org/dofl to find participating locations.
• Tell all your family, friends, and coworkers you are participating this year, and get them to join in on the philanthropic foodie fun.
• Make reservations early — tables fill up fast!
• Dine out as often as possible on Thursday, April 24 — breakfast, lunch, dinner, happy hour, and/or late-night.
• Encourage your favorite eateries to join in if they’ve not already decided to participate.
Mark your calendars, spread the word, and get ready to dine out, give back, and make history.
DINING OUT FOR LIFE
GREATER PALM SPRINGS 2025
Participating Establishments at Press Time
Aspen Mills Bakery and Café
Birba Palm Springs
Birba Cabazon
Blackbook
Carousel Bakery
Chef Tanya Palm Springs
Chef Tanya Palm Desert
Chicken Ranch
Chill Bar
Cipolline Osteria
Clandestino
Copley’s Restaurant
Del Rey at Villa Royale
Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge
El Mirasol Los Arboles
El Mirasol Cocina Mexicana
El Tacolgado
Elmer’s Restaurant
FARM
Fusion Five
Gelato Granucci
The Pantry at Holiday House
Jake’s
Johannes
Juniper Table
Loco Charlies Mexican Grill
Low Desert Modern Mexican
Native Foods
Palm Greens
Play Lounge Café
Purple Room Supper Club
La Cocina at Reforma
On The Mark
Runway
The Barn Kitchen at Sparrows Lodge
Tac/Quila
The Front Porch
The Tropicale Palm Springs
Trio
Toucans Tiki Lounge & Cabaret
Townie Bagels
Willie’s Modern Fare
AUSTRALIA A JOURNEY OF WINE, CULTURE, AND NATURAL BEAUTY
BY MICHAEL WESTMAN
Australia, a land of vast diversity and spectacular landscapes, offers up a unique blend of urban sophistication, historical charm, and natural wonders. From the bustling streets of Sydney and Melbourne to the tranquil beauty of Tasmania and Kangaroo Island, Australia’s rich history, distinctive culture, and extraordinary natural wonders make it a perfect travel destination. For wine enthusiasts, Australia is also home to some of the world’s finest wine regions, notably the Yarra Valley and McLaren Vale, which provide an ideal backdrop for exploration, tasting, and understanding the nation’s wine heritage.
Let’s take a journey through some of Australia’s most celebrated destinations, with a special focus on its world-renowned wine regions, from our home base of Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity EDGE, which takes passengers on a delightful exploration of Australia’s premier wine regions, including the Yarra Valley, McLaren Vale, and Tasmania. The Australia Wine Cruise aboard the Celebrity EDGE combines the luxury and comfort of Celebrity Cruises with the charm of Australia’s wine regions, creating a perfect fusion of relaxation, education, and indulgence. (celebritycruises.com).
SYDNEY IS THE GATEWAY TO AUSTRALIA’S DIVERSITY.
Sydney is Australia’s largest and most cosmopolitan city, offering everything from stunning beaches to thriving arts and cultural scenes. As the country’s oldest and most famous city, it is the perfect entry point for travelers. Known for the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, the city offers both modern skyscrapers and historic architecture, creating a unique juxtaposition between the old and the new.
Sydney’s thriving LGBTQ+ community reflects the city’s diversity… from significant events like Mardi Gras, to the vibrant gayborhoods and venues, Sydney offers something for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community. The city’s progressive and welcoming spirit makes it a top destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Oxford Street in Darlinghurst is the epicenter of Sydney’s LGBTQ+ nightlife, culture, and entertainment. The street is home to a wide array of LGBTQ+-friendly bars, clubs, cafes, and shops. It’s definitely the place to be for those looking to socialize, dance, or enjoy a night out in a safe, accepting environment.
One of the most famous LGBTQ+ venues in Sydney is The Stonewall Hotel. This iconic pub has been a fixture of Oxford Street’s gay scene for decades. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, drag shows, and nightly events, The Stonewall Hotel continues to be a symbol of Sydney’s pride and LGBTQ+ history.
The neighboring areas of Darlinghurst and Surry Hills have become hubs for LGBTQ+ culture, cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops. These areas are known for their relaxed yet vibrant vibe and are a great place to explore during the day and night.
When visiting Sydney, luxury accommodation and world-class hospitality are key components of an unforgettable experience. One of the city’s most prestigious hotels is the InterContinental Sydney, located in the heart of the city with sweeping views of iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The InterContinental Sydney is
housed in a beautifully restored 19thcentury building, originally the Treasury Building. This historical significance adds an air of elegance and charm to the hotel’s modern luxury. The hotel’s prime location at Circular Quay places it at the epicenter of Sydney’s cultural and historical attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring the city’s landmarks, such as the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and the famous Sydney Opera House. You can also easily access ferry terminals and the central business district from the hotel, which makes it convenient for both tourists and business travelers alike. (sydney. intercontinental.com).
Part of the allure of the InterContinental Sydney is its exclusive rooftop bar, Aster. Located on the top floor of the hotel, this rooftop oasis offers one of the best panoramic views in the city, overlooking the sparkling waters of Sydney Harbour, the iconic Sydney Opera House, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Whether it’s daytime or evening, the setting provides the perfect atmosphere for relaxation and indulgence in creative cocktails, artful small plates, and highly personalized service. Cocktails here are an experience, not just a drink. There are many exciting craft-cocktails on the menu, and I sampled more than a couple on my visit here. Try the GLOOM, a mix of Altamura Vodka, Black Sesame, Vanilla, Blackberry, Black Tea, surrounded by a Mystic Bubble, or the BOTANIC GARDENS, with Never Never Triple Juniper Gin, Cinnamon, Hibiscus, Tio Pepe Sherry, Sakura, Salt Bush, and Grapefruit. For lite bites, we went with a couple of vegan options - Mushroom Pâté with Piccalilli and Buckwheat Cracker, and the Marinated Australian Olives. I love olives… Spanish olives, Greek olives, Italian olives, but who knew Australian olives were so amazing!
Aster is the PERFECT spot to experience a Sydney Sunset! Book ahead and prepare to indulge. (asterbar.com.au).
Looking for adventure? One of the most iconic and thrilling experiences is the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, a unique adventure that offers a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to scale one of the world’s most famous landmarks. Tower-
ing over Sydney Harbour, the bridge is not only an engineering marvel but also a symbol of the city’s rich history and culture. You climb via the narrow metal stairs to the top of the bridge via guided tour, and when you reach the top, you’ll have panoramic 360° views of the city, including stunning vistas of the Opera House, Circular Quay, and the surrounding waters. (bridgeclimb.com).
Beyond the city’s urban landscape, Sydney boasts a flourishing food and wine scene, particularly in areas such as Darling Harbour, The Rocks, and Surry Hills, where you can sample some of the finest Australian wines from across the country. Many of the wine regions within
New South Wales (NSW), including the Hunter Valley, are within a few hours’ drive from Sydney and offer fantastic opportunities for exploration.
But our tour this time will take us to Victoria and South Australia. So, let’s hop on board the beautiful Celebrity EDGE and get some wine tasting started!
There are few cruise ports that are any more iconic than Sydney, Australia, with cruise ships docking right into Circular Quay opposite the Sydney Opera House. And walking our luggage right down the street made for a nice and easy boarding experience. A glass of bubbly at the Sunset Bar during sail-away is the perfect spot to view it all, and anticipate what is to come…
Aster Sydney Aster view at night
Darlinghurst
FIRST STOP: TASMANIA, THE ISLAND OF NATURAL WONDERS.
Tasmania is Australia’s southernmost state and is renowned for its pristine wilderness, abundant wildlife (home to the Tasmanian Devil), and exceptional food and wine. The island offers a perfect combination of rugged landscapes, quaint coastal towns, and historic sites. Tasmania is home to many exciting wine regionsThe Tamar Valley, Coal River Valley, and Huon Valley are among the island’s most famous. But the Derwent Valley is located in the countryside just a short drive from its capital city of Hobart.
The north-facing hillsides of the Derent Valley offer plenty of sunshine perfect for producing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. Derwent Estate is one of the oldest vineyards in the region and is set against the backdrop of the beautiful Derwent River and surrounding hills, making it a peaceful and picturesque place to enjoy a glass of wine. The Derwent Estate 2021 Calcaire Pinot Noir is a fuller-bodied reserve Pinot rich dark plum in color, with dark berry fruits and spicy notes. The 2023 Rosé of Pinot Noir
presents vibrant strawberry fruits on the front palate. Clean and refreshing to enjoy with an afternoon picnic outdoors. (derwentestate.com.au).
A visit to this region is not complete without a visit to MONA (the Museum of Old and New Art) located within the Morilla Winery. Located just a short drive away from Hobart, MONA is renowned for its contemporary art collection, and its vineyard produces some fantastic wines. The wines from Morilla are part of the whole MONA experience, which combines art, food, and wine into unique packages. Moorilla was founded in 1958, when founder Claudio Alcorso planted some of Tasmania’s first wine grapes, turning Moorillla into a foundational part of today’s thriving industry. With varietals ranging from Chardonnay to Gewurztraminer and Pinot Noir to Cabernet Sauvignon, Moorilla produces some daring wines for every palate. (mona.net.au).
And ofcourse a Tassie Devil sighting is a MUST while in Tasmania, and a visit to the UNZOO is the perfect place to experience the native wildlife. The UNZOO is not your typical zoo - it’s a wildlife park that offers an immersive, interactive, and
natural experience where the goal is to let animals live as freely and naturally as possible, while still giving visitors a chance to observe and learn about them. The park’s design is centered on enabling animals to roam in more natural environments that mimic their habitats as closely as possible…. there are no cages. The park is also committed to animal welfare and conservation and plays a role in protecting local wildlife and provides sanctuary to some of Tasmania’s native species, such as the Tasmanian devil, wombats, and eastern quolls. The UNZOO promotes a deep respect for wildlife and fosters awareness about the environmental challenges facing native species. If you’re looking to experience Tasmania’s native wildlife in a more natural, interactive environment, the UNZOO is the place to go. (tasmaniandevilunzoo.com.au).
Derwent Cellar Door
Morilla Cellar Door MONA
Unzoo
KANGAROO ISLAND IS A NATURAL GEM.
Kangaroo Island, located off the coast of South Australia, is the island famous for its pristine beaches, dramatic coastal cliffs, and diverse wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, and wallabies.
One of the most iconic wildlife experiences are the Blue Penguins of Kangaroo Island (also known as the Little Penguins or Fairy Penguins). These tiny, nocturnal seabirds are the smallest species of penguin in the world, which spend a considerable amount of time hunting for food in the ocean, and at night, they return to their burrows ashore to rest or care for their young. One of the most popular ways to experience these penguins is through guided tours that take place typically around sunset, when the penguins return to the shore. Some well-known locations for these tours include Penneshaw Penguin Centre and Kingscote, where guides provide insightful information about the penguins’ behavior, biology, and conservation efforts.
Visiting the Little Penguins of Kangaroo Island is an unforgettable experience that gives you a unique opportunity
to witness these fascinating creatures in a way that is respectful of their natural behaviors and habitats. Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or just someone looking for a special wildlife encounter, it’s definitely worth a visit.
While not traditionally known for its
wine production, Kangaroo Island has begun to establish itself as a small yet distinctive wine region, with several boutique wineries offering limited production wines. It is an ideal place to enjoy wine tasting during break from your exploration of the natural beauty of the island.
ADELAIDE AND MCLAREN VALE IS WHERE WINE MEETS THE SEA.
Adelaide, South Australia’s capital, is another dynamic destination that effortlessly blends rich history, culture, and fine dining. Known as the “City of Churches” due to its abundance of stunning heritage buildings, Adelaide offers a perfect mix of colonial charm and modern amenities. The city is also the gateway, and an easy drive to, some of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions. Located just 22 miles south of Adelaide, McLaren Vale is one of South Australia’s premier wine regions. Its roots in winemaking go back to the early 19th century when European settlers planted the first vines. The region’s proximity to the ocean means that it enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters – an ideal environment for growing a wide range of grape varietals.
Kangaroo Island
Bereford Estate
If you are a wine lover, like me, McLaren Vale is a dream destination. Best known for Shiraz, McLaren Vale also excels in the production of Grenache, Cabernet, and Sangiovese. The region’s diverse soil profiles, which include sandy soils, limestone, and clay, contribute to the distinctive flavors found in its wines. The region also provides a well-suited climate for the production of other Mediterranean varieties such as Vermentino, Tempranillo, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier, providing oenophiles with yet another layer of discovery.
There are a wide range of cellars to explore, many emphasizing organic and biodynamic farming practices. Let’s explore a few…
A must-visit on any trek through McLaren Vale is one of the most famous and iconic wineries in the region - d’Arenberg Winery. The adjectives “unique” and “quirky” are understatements. Established in 1912 by Joseph Osborn, d’Arenberg Winery has over a century of history and tradition in wine production. The winery is still owned and operated by the Osborn family, with the current generation being Chester Osborn, who is known for his innovative approach to winemaking and his deep passion for the craft. One of the most unique features
of d’Arenberg Winery is The Cube. This five-story building is an architectural marvel. Designed to look like a Rubik’s Cube, it houses the winery’s tasting rooms, art installations, a virtual fermentation room, a wine sensory room, and other interactive experiences. The Cube is a striking visual landmark and a unique blend of modernity with the traditional art of winemaking. It’s an attraction in its own right! Add to that 25 authentic Salvador Dali bronze sculptures and graphic artworks valued at approximately twenty million dollars, and d’Arenberg is now a full-fledged stop on the art tour. Admission of $30 includes entry to the d’Arenberg Cube, the Alternate Realities Museum, the Salvador Dali exhibition, and a wine tasting at the Tasting Room bar. Well worth the price of admission, even without tasting any wine.
But one standout was “The Ironstone Pressings” 2019 Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvèdre (92, James Suckling), blending small batch grapes in a mixture of new and used French oak. Earthy, dark, and full flavored. Another, “The Dead Arm” 2019 Shiraz (92, James Suckling), is arguably their flagship wine, rich and bold with a deep history and a distinctive character.
Everything at d’Arenberg is definitely a sensory experience, from the artwork
to the wines, to the panoramic views…. a true gem of the McLaren Vale region. (darenberg.com.au).
A short drive down the road to McLaren Vale’s slightly higher, slightly cooler Blewitt Springs subregion, will reveal Beresford Estate, known for its stunning wines, beautiful vineyard views, and luxurious estate. Beresford offers a premium wine experience that’s perfect for both casual wine lovers and serious enthusiasts. Having gained a reputation for crafting wines that are expressive, balanced, and reflective of the region’s distinctive climate and soil, Beresford produces exceptional Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. At the heart of the estate lies the Beresford Tasting Pavilion, where guided tastings offer a journey through their wines while surrounded by modern architecture. The Beresford Grand Reserve Shiraz 2016 brings together the most exceptional grapes from low-yielding vineyard sites from various sub-regions within the district. This elegant wine took home Gold Medals from the London Wine Competition 2023 and the Frankfurt International Wine Show 2023, along with the Silver Medal from the Decanter World Wine Awards 2023. A must for the Shiraz lover. And, if you have fallen in love with the wines, you can stay in one of their luxurious villas set amidst Beresford’s 70 acres of rolling vineyards. Suites and Villas are the epitome of luxury with indoor and outdoor living spaces, private pools, kitchen amenities, and more, all with ultra-modern flair and sophisticated design. (beresfordestate.com.au).
Looking for a lunch stop? Look no further than Beach Rd Winery and Restaurant. Simple and delicious, the pizzas here were just like being in Italy and were Fantastica! Enjoy with a farm to table salad, Italian varietal wines, and sit back and enjoy with McLaren Vale views. This family-owned and operated boutique winery, led by winemaker Briony Hoare and viticulturalist Tony Hoare, specializes in small batch wines with premium grapes crafted and bottled onsite. With one of the most spectacular views across the vines and the McLaren Vale township to the rolling hills, the restaurant and winery are popular destinations for locals and visitors alike. (beachroadwines.com.au).
d’Arenberg Cube
THE CULTURAL HEART OF AUSTRALIA IS MELBOURNE.
Melbourne is often considered the cultural capital of Australia. With its vibrant arts scene, eclectic neighborhoods, and a thriving food and coffee culture, it is a city that encourages deep exploration. The laneways of Melbourne, filled with street art and hidden bars, offer an atmosphere of mystery and excitement. But it’s not all about the city’s urban buzz – Melbourne is the gateway to one of Australia’s premier wine regions, the Yarra Valley.
The Yarra Valley is located approximately 60 kilometers east of Melbourne, nestled between beautiful rolling hills, and is one of the country’s oldest and most famous wine regions. It is a region that has grown in fame over the past few decades, owing to its cool climate, picturesque landscapes, and highly regarded wines.
The Yarra Valley has a long and storied history in winemaking, dating back to the 19th century. The first vines were planted in the region in the 1830s, with European settlers recognizing the area’s potential for grape growing. The valley’s cool climate and fertile soils made it an ideal environment for cultivating wine grapes, and over the years, the Yarra Valley has earned a reputation as one of Australia’s most renowned wine regions, producing elegant, balanced wines. While many varietals thrive in the region, it is particularly well known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which shine in the Yarra Valley’s cooler conditions. The valley’s wines are char-
acterized by their finesse and complexity, with the Pinot Noir offering delicate berry flavors and earthy undertones, while the Chardonnay is often marked by vibrant acidity, citrus notes, and a touch of oak.
Seven minutes from the charming town of Healesville, is Rochford Wines, in the heart of the spectacular Yarra Valley. Isabella’s Restaurant with floor to ceiling windows, timber boards and fireplace, is a lovely lunch stop with a bustling gift shop. Spend an afternoon enjoying a wine flight and platter at the Wine Bar, or for something different, gin or whisky tasting at the Spirited Bar.
Rochford Wines has received numerous awards, including 2024 Silver medals from Decanter Wine Awards and The International Wine Challenge (IWC) for their single vineyard Isabella’s Pinot Noir 2022. (rochfordwines.com.au).
Also nestled in the tranquil heart of the Yarra Valley, Chandon Australia, which established in 1986, offers a journey into the craftsmanship of exceptional sparkling wine where you can experience one of the most extensive ranges of méthode traditionnelle wines in the country. Along with the breathtaking views, Chandon has beautiful gardens to explore while enjoying some exclusive cuvées that each tell a story of their vineyards, creativity, time, and passion. (chandon.com.au).
Traveling to the Yarra Valley offers a wonderful pairing of the region’s natural beauty with some of the world’s best varietals.
THE BEST OF THE BEST.
A day at sea on the beautiful Celebrity EDGE gives us a little time to recharge, lounge by the pool, and just be spoiled onboard, until we arrive back to where we started – Sydney. This nine-day cruise has been the ultimate home base for experiencing Australia’s diverse landscapes, fascinating culture, and exceptional wines. We had a wealth of outstanding experiences, exceptional wines, and breathtaking scenery throughout our trip down under. And remember, Celebrity Cruises supports, embraces, and practices, inclusion, diversity, and equality, so remember that when booking your next adventure. (celebritycruises.com).
Australia’s wine regions are a testament to the country’s passion for winemaking, and a trip through them not only provides unforgettable memories but also deepens your appreciation for one of the world’s most dynamic wine cultures. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply someone who loves to travel, a journey through Australia’s vineyards is an experience that should not be missed.
Rochford
Yarra Valley
Edge in Sydney
Eden Restaurant
DRAG ME TO SEA
THE MEXICAN RIVIERA IS CALLING
BY ETHYLINA CANNE
Imust say that I love cruising, and no, I’m not talking about Ruth Hardy Park in Palm Springs. I’m talking about a cruise ship. My first cruise
I ever went on was with my family in the 80’s on the LOVE BOAT (Pacific Princess) to the World’s Fair, and let me tell you, I was hooked. I got my sea legs, popped a Dramamine, and the rest is history. Since that first cruise, I’ve taken a couple on Carnival Cruise lines, and the most recent was aboard the Disney Wish for “Halloween at Sea.” If you’ve never gone on a Disney Cruise, you are seriously missing out.
I’m over the moon to announce that I have been booked alongside some of the most talented queens in the business, for a seven-day cruise to the Mexican Riviera. “Drag Me to Sea” is going to be an EPIC adventure of Fabulousness…GUARANTEED! With less than five months to book your cabin, I thought it was a perfect time to sit down with Tim Evanicki, Co-Owner and Operations Manager of Drag Me to The Stage, the company that is putting this once in a lifetime vacation together and get the skinny on all the details.
What should the “Drag Me to Sea” passengers expect on this inaugural trip to the Mexican Riviera, as far as DRAG goes? Will the queens be in drag the entire time, as well as when the ship is at port? How many
Bingos will there be? Will Sister Roma really be doing a seminar in the ship’s casino on “How to Win Big in International Waters?”
Passengers aboard Drag Me to Sea can expect an unforgettable week filled with exclusive drag performances, interactive activities, and up-close meet-and-greet opportunities with some of the most iconic queens in the industry. From the moment you step aboard, the entertainment will be non-stop, with queens dazzling audiences in and out of drag throughout the entire cruise. Whether you’re enjoying a fabulous brunch, sipping cocktails with your favorite performers, or taking part in lively game nights, there’s something for everyone. Guests can look forward to a stacked itinerary, including high-energy bingos, solo shows by the hilarious Dixie Longate and the legendary Varla Jean Merman, a no-holds-barred Birthday Roast of Mrs. Kasha Davis, and the ultimate fan-favorite, Snatch Game at Sea.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! Drag Me to Sea will also feature karaoke nights, trivia competitions, a Lip Sync for Your Life showdown, a Mrs. Roper Caftan Cocktail Party where guests can channel their inner lounge queen, and a spooky Friday the 13th Dance Party sure to bring out the most glamorous ghouls. Our full entertainment lineup and
schedule will be released soon, so stay tuned by visiting www.dragmetosea. com and following us on social media to be the first to get the latest updates. And while you’re making your plans, note that Sister Roma’s highly anticipated casino seminar, “How to Win Big on International Waters,” is currently pending review by Gambler’s Anonymous and her various mental health professionals.
The booked talent pool of queens included on this cruise to the Mexican Riviera are very diverse. How did the selection process go and what were some of the requirements to be considered? Is there any one queen that you wanted on this cruise that could not be included?
When we started planning Drag Me to Sea, we knew that the talent lineup had to be as diverse and dynamic as the guests coming aboard. Our goal was to create a cast that not only represented different styles of drag but also brought a range of talents, from comedy to high fashion to live music. We wanted entertainers who could deliver unforgettable performances, engage with the audience, and create an atmosphere where everyone felt welcome. The selection process was a mix of reaching out to longtime friends and colleagues in the industry and carefully considering who would bring something unique to the table. With icons like Detox, Darienne Lake, Cynthia Lee Fontaine, Jasmine Masters, Hannah Conda, and Thorgy Thor, plus the legendary comedic stylings of Dixie Longate and Varla Jean Merman, we’ve put together a cast that will keep guests entertained from the moment they step on board. And of course, we couldn’t set sail without our very own cruise director, Mrs. Kasha Davis, who will be keeping the energy high and the cocktails flowing!
This lineup is filled with legendary talent. Varla Jean Merman, a true drag icon of Provincetown fame, has been a staple in the drag and cabaret scene for decades, bringing a mix of camp, comedy, and impeccable musical performances. Dixie Longate, known nationwide for her hilariously outrageous Tupperware shows, is sure to have guests rolling with laughter. And of course, you, Ethylina, whose famed bingos in Palm Springs are
a must-attend event, and you even have a day named after you by the city! Sister Roma, the most photographed nun in the world, hailing from San Francisco, brings her activism and wit as a longtime member of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. And we couldn’t forget Jewels Long Beach, the Grande Dame of Hamburger Mary’s, whose powerhouse performances and larger-than-life personality have cemented her as an institution in the drag world. This lineup is truly special, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience the
magic of drag in an entirely new way—on the high seas, surrounded by incredible talent, and celebrating the art of drag like never before.
There are many cruise lines to choose from when wanting to set sail out into the great blue oceans of the world. How did the team narrow it down to the final choice of The Norwegian “Bliss?”
When selecting the perfect cruise line for Drag Me to Sea, the team at Drag Me to the Stage sought a partner that not only offered top-tier luxury and
NCL Bliss
NCL Bliss Ocean Place
entertainment options but also aligned with their commitment to inclusivity and LGBTQ+ celebration. Norwegian Cruise Line stood out as the ideal choice due to its unwavering dedication to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), as well as its long-standing support for the LGBTQ+ community.
NCL is known for its LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere onboard its ships. Passengers have reported positive experiences, noting that the staff and fellow travelers are welcoming and accepting. The cruise line often organizes LGBTQ+ meetups and events, fostering a sense of community among passengers. This reputation for creating a safe and celebratory space for queer travelers made Norwegian Bliss the perfect vessel to host a weeklong extravaganza of drag excellence.
Another key factor in choosing NCL was its state-of-the-art amenities and entertainment venues. The Norwegian Bliss, specifically, offers an array of stunning performance spaces, high-end dining options, and luxury accommodations that complement the immersive entertainment experience that Drag Me to Sea aims to provide.
Many talented queens have worked gay cruises before and I know the company could have booked it on an all-gay cruise line. The choice is a mainstream, not exclusively gay, cruise. With the current party in the White House, the LGBTQIA+ community is literally being eroded before our very eyes. People are getting more brazen with their hate speech and being very open about their likes and dislikes. Do you think it will be “smooth sailing” aboard the cruise ship?
Gurl, I think now is the PERFECT time to escape to Mexico for a week, don’t you? Sun, cocktails, drag, and not a single red baseball cap in sight—just the way nature intended! The world is a mess, but for seven glorious days, Drag Me to Sea is giving our guests a much-needed break to celebrate joy, community, and fabulousness without a care in the world.
Now, I know some folks might wonder, “Will it be smooth sailing?” And to that, I say—have you ever seen a drag queen back down from a challenge? Exactly. It’s been my experience that the people spewing hate usually do so from the safety of their keyboards, hiding
behind their screens (and let’s be honest, a lot of them wouldn’t last five minutes in a face-to-face read session with one of our queens). The truth is, Drag Me to Sea is a celebration of our community and our allies! We are here, we are queer, and we are ready to tear up the high seas with wigs, heels, and a whole lot of sequins.
And if anyone’s worried about party crashers - don’t be. All of our events onboard are exclusively for our passengers—meaning if you don’t have our credentials, you’re not getting in, darling. We are creating a safe, welcoming space where our guests can let loose, be themselves, and enjoy top-tier entertainment without a single ounce of negativity.
“Drag Me to Sea” is actually an offshoot or branch of the “Drag Me to the Stage” company. Are there any other “Drag Me” productions currently taking place? And when looking to the future, what are some additional opportunities you both would like to see come to fruition?
Absolutely! Drag Me to Sea is just one fabulous branch of what we do at Drag Me to the Stage. My husband Ricky Torres and I, along with Mrs. Kasha Davis (Ed Popil) and her husband Steven Levins, created Drag Me to the Stage with one mission: to spread the joy of drag entertainment far and wide. And when I say far and wide, I mean brunches, bingos, story hours, and live performances in Performing Arts Centers, Casinos, restaurants, colleges, churches, VFW halls, libraries, and—yes—even car dealerships. If there’s a microphone, a spotlight, and a willingness to embrace drag, we will find a way to put a drag queen there.
The ship docks in Puerto Vallarta, Cabo, and Mazatlán, Mexico. Will there be special excursions or “Drag Me to Sea” passenger perks while on land?
Absolutely! Norwegian Cruise Line offers fantastic shore excursions in each of our ports - but because Drag Me to Sea is extra, we’re adding even more fun to the mix! The night before we set sail from Los Angeles, we’re kicking things off with an exclusive sail-away party at Hamburger Mary’s Long Beach—a private event just for our passengers. This will be a one-of-a-kind show featuring a whole cast of celebrity performers and queens who aren’t even on the official
cruise lineup! It’s the perfect way to start the trip in true Drag Me to Sea style.
And the excitement doesn’t stop there! My husband Ricky and I are actually heading to Puerto Vallarta soon to plan some extra special events while we’re in port there. Since Puerto Vallarta is the gayest of all our destinations— and we’ll be docked the longest—we’re working on securing partnerships with local venues, resorts, shops, and bars to give our passengers exclusive perks and entertainment options. We’ll be bringing in some of Puerto Vallarta’s top celebrity queens and setting up fabulous drag shows, parties, and activities to make the most of our time there. Stay tuned for more details, because this trip just keeps getting better and better!
Guests can still book their cabin until September, 2025. Since the “VIP” package sold out months ago, what incentives are being offered to entice more people to come on board?
Yes, we still have until September 2025 to sell cabins for this incredible cruise, but let’s be honest—time is flying! It feels like just yesterday people were saying, “Good God, why so early?” when we first launched bookings, and now we’re only seven months away from Halloween again! The excitement is building, and we want to make sure as many people as possible get the chance to experience Drag Me to Sea.
The best way to stay up to date on the latest specials is to visit www.dragmetosea. com, join our mailing list, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook at @dragme2sea! We’re constantly updating new offers, lineup announcements, and fun surprises—so don’t miss out. Lock in your cabin and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
I can’t wait for you to join us on the Norwegian Bliss for “Drag Me to Sea!” You best book that cabin today or a big week of FOMO will be the vacation you take next March!
When you book, use PROMO CODE: GEDMAG and you’ll receive $100 onboard credit!
Joyfully, Your “First Mate” Ethyl
Courtesy Mama Tits at Palm Cabaret
LGBTQ people are among the many subgroups of Americans known to experience high rates of food insecurity.*
*The Williams Institute
The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert provides food for 30,000+ people annually.
GAY WINE WEEKEND 2025
CELEBRATING SONOMA WINE COUNTRY
BY MICHAEL WESTMAN
ne of the season’s best events, and one which GED magazine is proud to sponsor, is Out in the Vineyard’s GAY WINE WEEKEND… three days of wine and celebration in Sonoma County benefiting Face to Face, Sonoma County’s HIV/AIDS Network. This weekend of LGBTQ+ experiences includes winemaker dinners, winery tours, VIP receptions, T-Dance, excursions, drag queen brunch, auction, and pool party in the beautiful Sonoma Wine Country. I had a chance to sit down with the owner of Out in the Vineyard, Gary Saperstein, to talk a little bit about the upcoming events for 2025.
GED has been involved with Gay Wine Weekend for many many years. To what do you attribute the staying power of the event?
The staying power of Gay Wine Weekend over the past 14 years can be attributed to several factors but it starts with and ends with it being about community and connection! Through strong community support, Gay Wine Weekend has built a dedicated group of attendees and supporters over the years, creating a sense of belonging and camaraderie. We offer a unique experience that combines wine tasting, social events, and networking opportunities specifically tailored to the LGBTQ+ community, making it a distinct and sought-after event. It’s a one-of-a-kind! Our commitment to inclusiveness and diversity has helped it resonate with a wide range of participants, fostering a welcoming and accepting environment for all. Collaborations with wineries, local businesses, and sponsors have helped expand our reach and offerings, attracting a diverse audience and enhancing our programming.
How has the event grown over the years? What started out as a one-day event with 250 people in attendance has now grown to a three-day event with over 700 guests attending. It has also led me to create other events such as the popular and very lively, Pink Sonoma Rosé Wine Festival along with a Holiday Wine Festival and June Pride Wine Festival in San Francisco.
What can attendees expect for this year? What’s new?
I can’t give away everything that’s new, but I always love to find ways each year to “surprise and delight” guests in attendance. I am working on that as we speak! But we do have a new host hotel, The Lodge at Sonoma, that I am very excited about. Recently it was renovated inside and out and it’s conveniently located within walking distance to the town of Heladsburg. Of course there are new winemaker dinners in amazing locations. Added this year is an all-Women’s Winemaker Dinner at Silver Oak Winery and a Plant-Based Dinner at the renowned Little Saint Restaurant.
Center: Gary Saperstein
How has the importance of an event like this been elevated?
We are living in surreal times right now and our community, especially our Trans community, is being attacked. For me it truly is about us finding our joy and power in community. We need to come together not only to fight for our rights, but to celebrate who we are as a community! Gay Wine Weekend is all about that for me this year. We are a resilient community. We have had to fight all our lives, and we will continue to fight.
How is Sonoma County supporting the LGBTQ community?
It is amazing to have the support of so many wineries and restaurants that will be participating in this year’s events. The support means so much more this year as we fight for our rights! It is wonderful to also work with organizations such as Sonoma County Tourism and the Russian River Wine Growers Association. They are able to market and promote the event to a wider audience while letting their audience know that they support the LGBTQ+ community here in Sonoma County. I love having our supporters promoting the events, as it makes a powerful statement.
Tell us more about Face2Face.
Face to Face is a non-profit here in Sonoma County that is near and dear to my heart. They are a cornerstone of public health in Sonoma County that began in 1983 as a grassroots organization responding to the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic. Since then, they have expanded their services to meet the evolving needs of the Sonoma County community, from HIV prevention and support to addressing the Opioid overdose epidemic, housing insecurity, and the rising mental health crisis. They lead with love, opening their doors and mobile van to provide services without judgement, meeting people where they are and finding solutions that make sense for them.
Gay Wine Weekend brings together not just lovers of wine, but the love that exists within our LGBTQ+ community. To get more information and book your weekend experiences, visit outinthevineyard.com.
See you in Sonoma!
BARS & CLUBS
AKBAR
4356 W. Sunset Blvd
Silverlake, CA 90029
323.665.6810 akbarsilverlake.com
BEACHES WEHO
8928 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310.360.0395 beachesweho.com
FIESTA CANTINA
88565 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310.652.8865 fiestacantina.net
FUBAR
7994 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90046
323.654.0396 fubarla.com
GYM SPORTSBAR
8919 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
424.313.8202 gymsportsbar.com
HAMBURGER MARY’S
8288 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
323.654.3800 hamburgermarys.com
HEART WEHO
8911 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069 heartweho.com
HI TOPS
8933 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069 hitopsbar.com
MICKYS
8857 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310.657.1176 mickys.com
ROCCO’S
8900 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
424.343.0123 roccosweho.com
LOS ANGELES DIRECTORY
SAINT FELIX
8945 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310.275.4428 saintfelix.net
THE ABBEY
692 N Robertson Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310.289.8410 theabbeyweho.com
THE CHAPEL
692 N Robertson Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310.289.8410
theabbeyweho.com
THE EAGLE
4219 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90029
323.669.9472 eaglela.com
REVOLVER VIDEO BAR
8851 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
424.382.1108
Revolverweho.Com
STACHE
8941 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310.402.0770 Stacheweho.Com
THE BAYOU
8939 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310.273.3303
Thebayouweho.Com
TRUNKS
8809 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 310.652.1015 west.hollywood.trunksbar.com
CLOTHING & LEATHER
665 LEATHER & FETISH
20810 Lassen St Chatsworth, CA 91311 818.678.9193 665leather.com
BLOCK PARTY
8853 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069 blockpartyweho.com
BRICK & MORTAR
8713 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069
310.652.6605 shopatbrick.com
CIRCUS OF BOOKS
8861 Santa Monica Blvd and West Hollywood, CA 90069 323.337.9555 circusofbooks.com
LOVE CONNECTION
8244 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90046
ROUGH TRADE LEATHER
3915 Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90029 323.660.7956 roughtradegear.com
THE PLEASURE CHEST
7733 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90046 323.650.1022 thepleasurechest.com
YMLA
8594 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 ymla.com
HAIR SALONS
BLADE
801 N. Larrabee St, Ste #1 West Hollywood 310.659.6693
SHORTY’S BARBER SHOP
755 N Fairfax Ave West Hollywood 323.297.0554 shortysbarbershop.com
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
HEALTH/COUNSELING
AID FOR AIDS AFA
8235 Santa Monica Blvd #200 West Hollywood, CA 90046
323.656.1107 aidforaids.net
AIDS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION/MENS WELLNESS CENTER
• 6255 W Sunset Blvd, 21st Fl Los Angeles, CA 90028
888 AIDS CARE
• 1300 N Vermont Ave, Ste 407 Los Angeles, CA 90027
866.339.2525
800.367.2437 inspotla.org
AIDS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION PHARMACY
8212 Santa Monica Blvd
The
• 5205 Melrose Ave Los Angeles, CA 90038
323.653.1990 – appts 323.653.8622 – admin lafreeclinic.org
• 6043 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90028
• 8405 Beverly Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90048
323.848.9760
• 3500 East Pacific Coast Hwy Long Beach, CA 90804
562.494.0340
PALM SPRINGS DIRECTORY
• 1726 East Colorado Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91106
626.440.1719
• 360 North Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323.934.1956
PROJECT ANGEL FOOD
922 Vine St
Los Angeles, CA 90038
323.845.1800 angelfood.org
THE TREVOR PROJECT
9056 Santa Monica Blvd #100 West Hollywood, CA 90069
310.271.8845 thetrevorproject.org
VALLEY COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE
6801 Coldwater Canyon Ave North Hollywood, CA 91605
818.301.6314 - HIV testing
818.301.6390 - Medical Services smarthealthla.com
LEGAL
LAMBDA LEGAL DEFENSE & EDUCATION FUND INC.
Western Regional Office
3325 Wilshire Blvd #1300
Los Angeles, CA 90010
213.382.7600 lambdalegal.org
NATIONAL G & L TASK FORCE
5455 Wilshire Blvd #1505 Los Angeles, CA 90036
323.954.9597 thetaskforce.org
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ATTRACTIONS
THE LIVING DESERT ZOO AND GARDENS
47900 Portola Ave
Palm Desert, CA 92260
760.346.5694 livingdesert.org
PALM SPRINGS AIR MUSEUM
745 N Gene Autry Trail
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.778.6262 palmspringsairmuseum.org
PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM
101 Museum Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.322.4800 psmuseum.org
PS AERIAL TRAMWAY
1 Tram Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
888.515.8726 pstramway.com
BARS & CLUBS
BLACKBOOK
315 E. Arenas Rd
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.832.8497 blackbookbar.com
CHILL BAR
217 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.327.1079 chillbarpalmsprings.com
DICK’S ON ARENAS
301 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.327.0753 eagle501bar.com
HUNTERS
302 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.323.0700 hunterspalmsprings.com
ONE ELEVEN BAR
67555 E Palm Canyon Dr Cathedral City, CA 92234
760.537.3111 oneelevenbar.com
OSCAR’S
125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite 108 Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.325.1188 oscarspalmsprings.com
QUADZ
200 S. Indian Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.778.4326 Spurline.com
STREET BAR
224 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.320.1266 psstreetbar.com
REFORMA
333 S Palm Canyon Dr Unit 2, Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.902.6630 reformaps.com
THE ROOST LOUNGE
68718 E Palm Canyon Dr Cathedral City, CA 92234
760.507.8495 theroostcc.com
TOOL SHED
600 E. Sunny Dunes Rd. Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.320.3299 pstoolshed.com
TOUCANS TIKI LOUNGE
2100 N. Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.416.7584 toucanstikilounge.com
CLOTHING OPTIONAL RESORTS
DESCANSO
288 E. Camino Monte Vista Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.320.1928 descansoresort.com
DESERT PARADISE
615 S. Warm Sands Dr Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.320.5650 desertparadise.com
EL MIRASOL VILLAS
525 Warm Sands Dr Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.327.5913 elmirasol.com
INNDULGE PALM SPRINGS
601 Grenfall Rd Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.327.1408 inndulge.com
SANTIAGO RESORT
650 San Lorenzo Road Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.322.1300 santiagoresort.com
THE HACIENDA
586 S. Warm Sands Dr Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.327.8111 thehacienda.com
TRIANGLE INN PALM SPRINGS
555 San Lorenzo Rd. Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.322.7993 triangle-inn.com
TWIN PALMS
1930 S. Camino Real Palm Springs, CA
760.841.1455 twinpalmsresort.com
VISTA GRANDE RESORT
574 S. Warm Sands Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.322.2404 vistagranderesort.com
CLOTHING & LEATHER
EL TUGGLE
388 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.880.4338 eltuggle.com
GAYMART
305 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.416.6436
GEAR LEATHER & FETISH
650 E Sunny Dunes Rd #1 Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.322.3363 gearleather.com
ROUGH TRADE LEATHER
321 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.699.7524 roughtradegear.com
PALM SPRINGS DIRECTORY
GIFTS
DESTINATION PSP
170 North Palm Canyon Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.354.9154 destinationpsp.com
GREETINGS PALM SPRINGS
301 N Palm Canyon Dr # 102 Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.322.5049 greetingspalmsprings.com
JUST FABULOUS
515 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.864.1300 bjustfabulous.com
MISCHIEF CARDS & GIFTS
226 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.322.8555 mischiefcardsandgifts.com
PEEPA’S
120 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.318.3553 peepasps.com
PS HOMEBOYS
108 S. Indian Canyon Dr
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.318.7388 pshomeboys.com
Q TRADING COMPANY
606 E Sunny Dunes Rd Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.416.7150
HAIR SALONS
CUT BARBER
1109 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.322.2999 cutbarber.com
DADDY’S BARBERSHOP
192 S Indian Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.537.1311
daddysbarbershop.com
MEN’S GROOMING SPOT
68487 E Palm Canyon Dr Suite 43 Cathedral City, CA 92234
760.992.0028 mensgroomingspot.com
PS FINE MEN’S SALON
750 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite 3 Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.904.0434 psfinemenssalon.com
REALTORS
3 BEARS REALTY
2905 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.699.6175 3bearsrealty.com
PALM SPRINGS HOME TEAM
Conrad Miller (DRE #01973983)
760.464.9559
Brandon Holland (DRE # 01986968)
760.413.1220 Palmspringshometeam.com
RESTAURANTS
1501 UPTOWN GASTROPUB
1501 Uptown Gastropub 1501 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, 92262
760.507.1644 1501uptown.com
BLACKBOOK
315 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.832.8497 blackbookbar.com
BOOZEHOUNDS PS
2080 North Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.656-0067 boozehoundsps.com
EIGHT4NINE RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE
849 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.325.8490 eight4nine.com
FARM
6 La Plaza Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.322.2724 farmspalmsprings.com
JOHANNES
196 S. Indian Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.778.0017 johannespalmsprings.com
RICK’S DESERT GRILL
1596 North Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.325.2127 ricksdesertgrill.com
SHERMAN’S DELI
401 E Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.325.1199 shermansdeli.com
TRILUSSA
68-718 E Palm Canyon Dr Cathedral City, CA 92234
760.328.2300 trilussarestaurant.com
TRIO RESTAURANT
707 N. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA. 92262
760.854.8746 triopalmsprings.com
WILMA & FRIEDA’S
155 S Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.992.5080 wilmafrieda.com
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
DAP HEALTH
1695 N. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.323.2118 daphealth.org
DESERT CARE NETWORK
760.561.7373 desertcarenetwork.com
DESERT OASIS HEALTHCARE
275 North El Cielo Road Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.325.DOHC (3642) mydohc.com
EISENHOWER HEALTH
39000 Bob Hope Drive Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
760.340.3911 eisenhowerhealth.org
MICHAEL’S HOUSE
1910 S Camino Real Palm Springs, CA 92262
844.768.0633 michaelshouse.com
PALM SPRINGS
ANIMAL SHELTER
4575 E. Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.416.5718 psanimalshelter.org
PALM SPRINGS
FRONT RUNNERS & WALKERS frontrunners.clubexpress.com
STONEWALL GARDENS
2150 N. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.548.0970 stonewallgardens.com
LGBTQ COMMUNITY CENTER OF THE DESERT
1301 North Palm Canyon Dr, 3rd Floor Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.416.7790 thecentercv.org
SAN FRANCISCO DIRECTORY
BARS & CLUBS
440 CASTRO 440 Castro, San Francisco, CA the440.com
BEAUX
2344 Market St., San Franciso, CA beauxsf.com
HI TOPS
2247 Market St, San Francisco, CA
415.551.2500 hitopsbar.com
LOBBY BAR
4230 18th St. Unit A, San Francisco, CA lobbybarsf.com
LOOKOUT
3600 16th St., San Francisco, CA
415.431.0306 lookoutsf.com
MAC’S CLUB
39 Post St., San Jose, CA
408.288.8221
MIDNIGHT SUN
4067 18th St., San Francisco, CA
415.861.4186
midnightsunsf.com
MOBY DICK
4049 18th St., San Francisco, CA
415.294.0731
OASIS
298 11th St., San Francisco, CA
415.795.3180 sfoasis.com
RENEGADES
501 W Taylor St., San Jose, CA
408.275.9902 renegadesbar.carrd.co
SF EAGLE
398 12th St., San Francisco, CA 415.200.2002 sf-eagle.com
SPLASH
65 Post St., San Jose, CA
408.292.2222 splashsj.com
THE CINCH SALOON
1723 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 415.776.4162
THE MIX
4086 18th St., San Francisco, CA 415.431.8616 thesfmix.com
WHITE HORSE BAR
6551 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, CA 510.652.3820
HAIR SALONS
HEALING CUTS
2350 Market St., San Francisco, CA 415.286.2970 healingcutssf.com
SPUNK SALON
4147 19th St., San Francisco, CA 415.701.7865 spunksalon.com
THE CASTRO BARBER LOUNGE
2265 Market St., San Francisco, CA 415.678.5942 thecastrobarberlounge.com
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
HEALTH/COUNSELING/SUPPORT
API WELLNESS CLINIC
726 Polk St. SF LGBT Center 1800 Market Street San Francisco, CA apiwellness.org
BILLY DEFRANK
LGBTQ CENTER
938 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 408.293.3040 defrankcenter.org
LYRIC CENTER FOR LGBTQQ YOUTH
127 Collingwood St (@ 18th St), San Francisco, CA 415.703.6150 lyric.org
OAKLAND LGBTQ COMMUNITY CENTER
3207 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland, CA 510.882.2286 oaklandlgbtqcenter.org
PACIFIC CENTER FOR HUMAN GROWTH
2712 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley, CA 510.548.8283 pacificcenter.org
QUEER LIFESPACE
2275 Market St, San Francisco, CA 415.358.2000 queerlifespace.org
RAINBOW COMMUNITY CENTER
2380 Salvio St., Concord, CA 925.692.0090 rainbowcc.org
SF AIDS FOUNDATION
470 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 415.437.3400 strutsf.org
SF LGBT CENTER
1800 Market St, San Francisco, 415.865.5555 sfcenter.org
STONEWALL PROJECT
1035 Market St, #400, San Francisco, CA 415.487.3000 stonewallsf.org
THE TREVOR PROJECT
866.488.7386 Text: 678.678 thetrevorproject.org
UCSF ALLIANCE HEALTH PROJECT
1930 Market St, San Francisco, CA 415.476.3902 ucsf-ahp.org
LEGAL
AIDS LEGAL REFERRAL PANEL
1663 Mission St, #500, San Francisco, CA 415.701.1100 alrp.org
OASIS LEGAL SERVICES
1900 Addison St, #100, Berkeley, CA 510.666.6687 oasislegalservices.org
TRANSGENDER
LAW CENTER
510.587.9696 transgenderlawcenter.org
HOTLINES
THE GLBT HOTLINE OF SAN FRANCISCO: 415.355.0999
GLBT NATIONAL HOTLINE: 1.888.843.4564
GLBT NATIONAL YOUTH TALKLINE: 1.800.246.7743
TREVOR PROJECT HOTLINE (Queer Youth Suicide Prevention): 866.488.7386
CALIFORNIA AIDS, STD, & HEPATITIS HOTLINE: 1.800.367.2437
SEXUAL ASSAULT - COMMUNITY VIOLENCE SOLUTIONS: 800.670.7273
CONTRA COSTA CRISIS CENTER for Suicide & Crisis Intervention: 800.273.8255
