Pride Helped Change a Community - PSP

Written by |Denise Goolsby

Palm Springs resident Jack Beneville walks in the 2009 

Pride Parade / Marilyn Chung, Desert Sun file photo

In the 25 years since the first Palm Springs Pride event was organized, the focus of the annual festival and parade has changed as LGBT Americans have won rights and continued to fight for equality.
With the changes come new challenges.
After scoring major victories in recent years — including the long-awaited repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell — local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender leaders worry the community will become complacent. They say it's more important than ever to maintain a strong presence and a united front at Pride events to ensure hard-won gains during the past quarter-century are not lost.
The early festivals could be considered the desert community's coming out. The events provided a safe environment where LGBT residents could publicly celebrate their lives and introduce themselves en masse to their Coachella Valley neighbors.
The first Pride presentation was “Sizzle,” a no-holds-barred variety show and fundraiser held in the Grand Ballroom of the Riviera Hotel in Palm Springs during the Ronald Reagan Administration — at a time when AIDS was killing thousands of gay men.
There were few, if any, protections for LGBT people in the workplace or in any number of social settings and situations at that time.
“We have seen our issues evolve from AIDS, fighting ballot measures, electing openly gay officials, pushing for inclusion in the military and now for full equality in marriage,” said Greg Pettis, Cathedral City councilman and Palm Springs Pride co-founder. “Pride has changed and evolved because our country has evolved.
“AIDS had just come into view when we began Pride, and it was partly a response to the homophobia driven by the illness as well as a desire to show the Coachella Valley that gays and lesbians were here,” he added.
Pettis was the first — and only — openly gay elected official in the valley at that time. Now, there are at least 12.
Pettis said Pride events played a big role in improving the public perception of gays and lesbians. As a result, the events have become more mainstream and inclusive - and have helped foster positive relationships between LGBT and straight residents.

Scenes from past Palm Springs Pride Parades along Palm Canyon Drive. The event is now in its 25th year. / Desert Sun file photos

2011 Pride Festival

Where: Palm Springs Stadium, 1901 E. Baristo Road
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 5-6
Admission: $10 per day. Children younger than 12 get in free when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Information: www.pspride.org

2011 Pride Parade

Where: 1 mile along Palm Canyon Drive, from Ramon to Alejo roads in downtown Palm Springs
When: 10 a.m. Nov. 6
Admission: Free
Information: www.pspride.org

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