Greater Palm Springs, California has been hailed as an LGBTQ+ friendly destination for decades and it has been the playground for many queer folks. Check out some of the history, events, businesses and more you’ll find in your next visit to Palm Springs!

Palm Springs Nightlife 

Nightclubs on Arenas are popular amongst the gay community including Hunters and Blackbook. Other gay-friendly spots are The Tool Shed, and Toucans Tiki Lounge. There isn’t a bar specifically for lesbians and queer women.

Drag shows are on the event calendar at Oscars, Roly China, and PS Air Bar. AsiaSF is celebrated for its transgender cabaret and AMP Sports Lounge has a Drag Bingo.

LGBTQ Events

April: The California desert is home to the largest lesbian party in the world, The Dinah.

September: The annual Cinema Diverse LGBTQ+ film festival in Greater Palm Springs.

October: Palm Springs Leather Pride, one of the most significant leather events in the country, with a celebration to crown Mr. Leather.

November: Due to June being dangerously hot, Palm Springs PRIDE is held in November with a street fair, live music, and dance festivities.

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LGBTQ+ Owned Businesses

If you like to bike, go on the Sunny Cycle Palm Springs tour or rent from ​​BIKE Palm Springs Rentals and Tours. Go shopping at Queertique where you’ll find queer clothing, home goods, art, and more. Pick up pop art prints at Trevor Wayne.

LGBTQ+ History

Visit The LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert to learn about the town’s gay history. Palm Springs had one of the first AIDS responses programs in the U.S. as The Desert AIDS Project started in 1984.

Image courtesy of Ritchie Torres media.