Greater Palm Springs Pride 2017: Viva la Vida – Celebrating Diversity, Unity, and Resilience
The 2017 Greater Palm Springs Pride theme, “Viva la Vida” (Live Life!), captures the resilient spirit of solidarity in our desert oasis amid global challenges facing LGBTQ communities.
The Greater Palm Springs Pride board invites the world to unite November 3-5, 2017, “to remember those we have lost, affirm our commitment to equality, and envision the future for LGBTQ people worldwide.”
With Pride events worldwide showcasing diverse expressions of hope, Greater Palm Springs Pride closes the global calendar. Held in the warm desert after June celebrations in cooler climates, it features the 31st annual Pride Parade on Sunday, November 5, plus entertainment stages, memorials, and official events detailed below.
Pride Honors Awards
Pride festivities began with the Pride Honors Awards on September 28. Honorees included Marshall Pearcy and Douglas Woodmansee, known as “Dottie & Maude,” who have raised over $2 million for AIDS and community charities since launching their drag personas in 1980. The Transgender Community Coalition earned Organization of the Year and will dedicate a memorial on Transgender Day of Remembrance, November 20.
Viva la Vida Street Party
Pride weekend kicks off Friday, November 3, with the Viva la Vida Street Party on Arenas Road at 6 p.m. Arenas Road, Palm Springs’ vibrant gay epicenter, closes one block to traffic. The US Bank Stage features “Iconique” with hits from Chic to David Bowie, followed by Jen DM, resident DJ at Cruise at The Eagle in Silver Lake. Hosted by Alexander Rodriguez of “On the Rocks Radio”. (21+; ID required).
Pride Street Festival & Weekend Entertainment
Saturday, November 4, highlights include Missing Persons with Dale Bozzio at 2:30 p.m. and Seattle’s YouTube star “Mama Tits” at 9 p.m. Sunday features GayC/DC, the all-gay AC/DC tribute band, at 1:15 p.m.
Palm Canyon Drive transforms into a pedestrian Pride Street Festival from Amado Drive to Baristo Road on Saturday and Sunday. Music stages include one at the Hyatt Palm Springs and the all-ages Pride Stage by Desert AIDS Project on Arenas Road, with a Children’s Headquarters for games and crafts, Safe Schools Desert Cities Youth Zone, and HIV/AIDS testing by Get Tested Coachella Valley.
Palm Springs Pride President Ron DeHarte notes: “With 80+ performances, a diverse lineup offers something for everyone, including the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus and Modern Men.”
Dozens of community organizations, LGBTQ-friendly businesses, and vendors join local merchants. Pride supporters display decals. Find “Official Pride Restaurants” and “Pride Watering Holes” in the printed Pride Guide (available pre- and during Pride) or digital version HERE.
The Dyke March and Rally starts at 4 p.m. Saturday from Frances Stevens Park, followed by Keisha D and Jesse Jones at 6 p.m. on the Arenas Road stage. The Women’s Pride Dance by the L-Fund follows at 7 p.m. at the Hard Rock Hotel.
Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade
The official Pride Parade steps off Sunday at 10 a.m. from North Palm Canyon at Tachevah, ending at Amado Road near the Hyatt festival entrance. Many restaurants host viewing parties.
Marshals include National Grand Marshal U.S. Navy SEAL Kristin Beck, Community Grand Marshal Michael Holmes (singer, Purple Room owner), and Celebrity Grand Marshals fitness expert Craig Ramsay and hairstylist Brandon Liberati (from Bravo’s “Newlyweds: The First Year”). The Transgender Pride and March by the Transgender Community Coalition features as a special contingent.
More Pride Happenings
Numerous organizations host parties, shows, and fundraisers. Highlights: HRC Garden Party for Human Rights Campaign; Palm Springs Front Runners & Walkers 5K (advance registration needed); Miss Richfield 1981’s “2020 Vision - A Survival Guide for the New World” at Camelot Theatre; Dezart Performs’ “The Legend of Georgia McBride” at Palm Springs Woman’s Club; CCBC Resort & Spa pool parties in Cathedral City.
For full listings, visit HERE on partner site GayDesertGuide.LGBT or www.PSPride.org.
