Palm Springs Pride
Ravi Round The World living out loud at Palm Springs Pride 2021
In my 37 years on this planet, I have never been to Palm Springs. I know what you are thinking. Am I even gay?
I had such high expectations attending the largest Pride in California in 2021. I was absolutely blown away by this desert city. Throughout my travels around the Globe, I talk to anyone and everyone who will have me, and the folks in Palm Springs were amongst the kindest I have ever encountered.
I spent 4 nights in ‘P-Town of the West’ and I wish I stayed a month!
The vegetarian food was next level, the views of the mountains were breathtaking, and the shopping definitely broke the bank but was worth it. I attended a FIERCE exhibition on the Queer history of the desert which showcased factual progress within the Queer community from pre-1970s through the present day.
LGBTQ History of the Desert
There is a stigma that Palm Springs is for older gays, and yes there were a plethora of more mature gays, but younger people in the Queer community have been flocking to this city making it the gayest town in the USA. Who wouldn’t want to live in 350 days of sunshine per year rocking a speedo on the daily?
GED Magazine Pool Party
Pride was absolutely massive and extremely hot in every sense of the word. The Men. The 95% temperatures. The nightlife. The Queer bars poured into the streets. The Queer Culture was MAGNETIC! This desert oasis has something for everyone.
Lyle Anthony performing at Palm Springs Pride
The pool parties hosted by GED and Desert Heat were bumping from 11 AM until sunset. ‘Third Eye Blind’ brought their semi-charmed life to headline the mainstage entertainment. I had the opportunity to see South African pop star Lyle Anthony perform. I immediately fell in love! (Could he be my next ex-husband?)
I was fortunate enough to walk the parade with Gay Desert Guide and of all the Pride Parades I have been a part of this year, Palm Springs Pride ran the smoothest.
What blew me away the most about Palm Springs Pride was the Inclusion and it starts from the top. Mayor Christy Holstege is the first Bisexual Mayor in the United States paving the way for others in government to be out and proud. The City Council was extremely involved at making this Pride one for the books!
Mayor Christy Holstege and Ravi Roth
What separates Palm Springs from all the other Prides was the sense of community. I felt a part of this magical city from the moment I arrived. Thank you PALM SPRINGS for being the most fabulous city to round out season 1 of #RavisRoadToPride. Check out my Vlog below.
