The largest gathering of LGBTQ people in the Coachella Valley returns November 4-6
By Susan Payne
To fight extremism at the ballot box this November, Pride Springs Pride organizers announced the 2022 theme as “Say Gay.”
Traditional in-person Pride events are scheduled downtown from Nov. 4-6 for the 36th annual LGBTQ celebration, featuring multiple stages of live entertainment and a marketplace. Palm Springs Pride is the largest annual event in Palm Springs, and the largest gathering of LGBTQ people in the Coachella Valley. In 2021, Pride Week generated $30 million economic impact for area hotels, shops, restaurants and businesses while attracting more than 160,000 attendees.
“Say Gay is a theme, it’s a political statement, it’s a call to action. Mobilize your friends, family, neighbors, and workplace to vote for politicians that stand up and fight for LGBTQ rights. Say Gay No to politicians taking away control of our bodies and silencing teachers from recognizing the existence of LGBTQ+ people to their students,” said Palm Springs Pride president and CEO Ron deHarte, who is also a candidate running for Palm Springs City Council in the Nov. 8 election.
“In facing adversity and staring directly at the threats to our rights, we gather in protest and celebration. In doing so, we knock on the door of justice and fight for our freedom,” deHarte said.
In partnership with Palm Springs Pride, Dash Radio and the Motor/Cycle Arts Foundation, Electric Revolution Live will showcase an inclusive future of mobility, sustainability and green energy during the event, including electric vehicles, scooters and bikes.
The Arenas District remains the pedestrian-only social center of Pride Week, complete with LGBTQ-friendly bars, restaurants and shopping.
New to the festival, the Recovery Oasis will offer sober fun in addition to the DAP Health Wellness Pavilion and QueerWorks Transpower Lounge. Festival features include a Youth Zone presented by U.S. Bank, Children’s Garden presented by Nissan, the Art of Pride presented by Eisenhower Health, 200 exhibitors, community groups an food and beverage stations. For more Pride Week details and activities, go to the app: https://apps.pspride.org/
