Although mostly hetero, a fair number of gay boys and girls do attend. The critically acclaimed Coachella Music and Arts festival  is one of several music festivals in the United States, that  carries a certain cachet that's hard to match. It is ranked as the number one music festival in the world.

Perhaps it's the scenery -- listening to music on a grassy polo field surrounded by swaying palm trees and craggy desert mountains. Or maybe it's the thrill of discovering new artists and rediscovering old ones standing shoulder-to-shoulder with friends, strangers and the random Hollywood celebrity. Like Paris Hilton!
Always lots of eye candy!






The three day event takes place every year in India, California, just outside of Palm Springs. Organized by Goldenvoice  and held at the Empire Polo Fields . The event features many genres of music including alternative rock, hip hop, and Electronic music as well as large sculptural art.

The event has several stages/tents set-up throughout the grounds, each playing live music continuously. This years BIG NAME  was  Paul McCartney. Previous year names ranged from Madonna to the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.







Despite economic times, promoters say the turnout exceeded expectations, and this year's attendance figure might be the third largest in the festival's 10-year history.


The three-day ticket price may have been steep -- roughly $300, including service charges -- but when divided among the 131 acts on the bill, that breaks down to less than $2.50 per act.













Each year, the festival also features interesting installation art and sculptures. Most of the pieces are interactive, and provide entertainment and eye candy for attendees walking throughout the Polo grounds.

Some of the works were initially created for the Burning Man festival. In contrast to the largely non-repeating roster of musical artists represented at the festival, a few of the visual artists, such as Robochrist Industries, the Tesla Coil (Cauac), Cyclecide, and The Do LaB, have appeared during several consecutive years at Coachella.






EVERY APRIL,   COACHCELLA draws in thousands from around the world. 

The evening dance event and visual light presentations are like nothing you have ever seen.  WATCH THE YOU TUBE COACHELLA CLIP.


And see ya there next  year!












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Gay Beach Season
is just weeks away!


and if you want something NO ONE ELSE has yet, this hot new line from Barcelona is what you need! 

ES COLLECTION

Previously only available in Spain, it is spreading worldwide this year, but still in limited quantities.

Now going into its fourth  year of production they will be unveiling the 2010  underwear collection this fall in the US. I just got back from Barcelona and bought a couple of the swimsuits from the 2009 collection - VERY HOT! Clean lines, fresh styles, bold color combinations and amazing fit!

This swimwear and underwear for men, is honestly some of the hottest styles we have seen with PERFECT construction and craftsmanship. Made in Barcelona, "ES tries to be unique, different and fresh in a market that is fast and more brands are joining this fast market every day. Made in Barcelona with the best fabrics that we can get from the EU market but still we can be competitive with any other brand out there on quality, price,design and delivery."


     
                      

Their designs have a wonderful cut to them, accenting your body perfectly!  I purchased some of  their men’s underwear and men’s swimwear, and they fit comfortable and like a glove!  Many of the swimsuits  features the "Pack Up" system which can easily be removed if aren’t in the mood for extra padding however is perfect for giving you that perfect "beach bulge" if you want it! It does not make your package look HUGE or anything. But it just accentuates your own package nicely and provides a wonderful  smooth fit.


One of the great things about ES Collection Swimwear is the high quality of craftsmanship.  With extras like the metal grommet holes and the plastic tips on the drawstring you’ll never have to "fish" out the drawstring. They also use high quality zippers, rubber logos, and just overall high quality finishing.

Word of advice for  Americans - As for sizing, I would suggest, if ordering from the US, order 1 size larger than usual. Both my partner and I are 32-33" waist, and would normally buy  Medium - but  their Large fits perfect.  I always find European clothes run smaller than most US brands are labeled.

And who doesn't love a  SALE!  Each collection features "X" number of pieces in so many sizes. Each year when the new collection is launched, anything that did not sell from the previous collection, is marked down! So when you visit their website ES COLLECTION, make sure you check out the SALE OUTLET.

MUST SEE - VIDEO of the NEWEST ES STYLES and all of their HOT models!


If you are visiting Barcelona, stop by their main store and see the entire collection on display.
Consell de Cent, 218  and right around the corner is ES4U, the outlet store at Casanova, 56!

They also have a shop at 35007 Las Palmas de G.C., Carnary Islands and soon will  have stores in Bilbao, Valencia, and Madrid!
And of course, you can order  worldwide via their ES COLLECTION site!


The New Gay Travel Guides  and  Best Gay Cities


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Miss USA 2009 runner-up Carrie Prejean of California is making headlines for actually having an opinion beyond "world peace is a good thing."

Miss California's (Carrie Prejean) answer to judge (and gossip provocateur) Perez Hilton's question about legalizing gay marriage started out rather political but soon veered into tangible conviction: "We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage. And you know what, I think in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that's how I was raised."

These women are savvy, goal-oriented and aware. The delegates who become part of the Miss Universe Organization display those characteristics in their everyday lives, both as individuals, who compete with hope of advancing their careers, personal and humanitarian goals, and as women who see to improve the lives of others.

(missusa.com)



Nothing about Miss California's answer to the question of Gay Marriage says "humanitarian" nor does it coincide with improving the lives of others. Discrimination does not promote human welfare.

All that said, she may have grounds for a discrimination lawsuit herself — against the Miss USA pageant, a legal analyst says.

"It's her religious beliefs which prompted her to say 'I don't believe in same-sex marriages.' So she was espousing her beliefs," and could sue for a violation of Title VII, which forbids discrimination on the basis of religion.

Are you kidding me?!

        

 

Can I have a Double-Mocha fat-free....and a big  KISS??

This one-day event coincides with "Tax Day" to highlight the fact that “LGBT couples have yet to be granted the same rights to file our taxes jointly on a Federal level, and we can still be fired for being openly gay in the workplace. That’s why you’re encouraged to be seen on Tax Day, April 15, 2009, spreading your love with a KISS!”

 

Same Sex Kiss Day calls for couples to go to a neighborhood Starbucks coffee shop and during one (or all, if you wish) of four designated times throughout the day, exchange a kiss with your same sex partner or friend. The set times are at 7:15 am, 12:15 pm, 5:15 pm, and 8:15 pm.

Why Starbucks? Well according to the Same Sex Kiss Day  site, “Starbucks has been committed to LGBT rights since the beginning of time offering domestic partnership insurance, quoting gay artists on their coffee cups, and funding our gay pride parades.”

Hallmark  HAS NOT  created a card for this yet.

        

 

3 HUGE  Parties  take  over 
Palm Springs in just a  couple weeks!


For the girls, 2 sets of parties - GIRL BAR does 19th Annual DINAH SHORE WEEK  April 1-5th  as well as CLUB SKIRTS THE DINAH!  Sunrise to sunset, non-stop events geared towards the lesbian community.

and  for the boys -  the 20th Annual WHITE PARTY PALM SPINGS  April 10 - 13th. Lady Gaga headlines this Easter  Weekend party. One of the crown jewels of the circuit party scene!

 Grab your cape and spring into action, beginning at 9pm and continuing until 5am. The time has come to join forces for the most incredible gathering the world has ever seen. 


Inside the Palm Springs Convention Center, heroes from all over the universe will converge for the biggest and most anticipated event of the weekend!  

Headlining DJs Tony Moran (NYC), Manny Lehman (LA) and Ana Paula (Brazil) deliver the surge of musical excitement as men of steel, boys of wonder and all sorts of amazing avengers invade the dance floor.


The Best of Gay Palm Spings

 

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The recession has hit the housing market hard, including planned communities for retirees.

That is no less true when it comes to housing for GLBT seniors.

Across the country, planned communities for retiring gays and lesbians have been on the drawing board, but have had a hard time getting underway.

One such project, undertaken by RainbowVision California LLC, has suffered a setback with the land intended for a planned retirement community catering to the silver GLBT set reverting to a lender for the project.

The lender, Senior Housing Partners III, retook the land in a foreclosure auction, reported the Palm Springs newspaper  The Desert Sun in a Dec. 17 article.

The planned community had enjoyed promotion by tennis star Billie Jean King, the article said, but the economic realities of the situation forced the project to stall.

The article quoted RainbowVision president Joy Silver, who said, "The only thing stopping us is the economy--the fact that banks have not been in a position to make construction loans.

"We plan to move forward as soon as the economy allows."

RainbowVision has already laid claim to the nation’s first GLBT retirement community, which is up and running in Santa Fe, NM.

Other retirement communities for older gays and lesbians have followed suit, such as The Palms of Manasota in Florida, and Birds of a Feather in Pecos, NM.

But the delay in the construction of the Palm Springs community is also not unique: the development of Boston’s LGBT retirement project Stonewall Communities was put on hold earlier this year.

The new community in Palm Springs was designed to include nearly 200 units, along with community amenities such as a nightclub, pool, spa, club house, and café, as well as athletic facilities.

The company hopes that once the economy recovers, RainbowVision will be able to buy the land back once again and proceed with construction.

Meantime, some of the seniors interested in the Palm Springs community have decided to relocate to Santa Fe instead, to the already-operating GLBT retirement community there.

"The GLBT retirement community model works; we know it," said Silver of the Santa Fe location.

"We’re seeing a rise in occupancy there."


The Best of Gay Palm Springs and the New Gay Travel Guide

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Largo at the Coronet

366 N. La Cienega Blvd.     Los Angeles

 

The Ian Harvie Show is a comedy/talk show at Largo at the Coronet Theater Wednesday, December 10th at 8pm.

This benefit to fight on in the aftermath of the passage of shameful Proposition 8 is a night of comedy, with talented gay comics, including host Ian Harvie, Ant, Alec Mapa, Erin Foley, Jorja Fox and Margaret Cho, Leslie Jordan, and  Music by Jon Brion.

This will be a panel discussion with all of the guests about their best/worst/funniest holiday moments and traditions. to benefit Equality California.


Door proceeds go to EQ CA.        Ticket Info: $30   Buy Tickets

  Mario Lopez  is  going!  See who else is going on Facebook!

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On December 10, 2008 the gay community will take a historic stance against hatred by donating love to a variety of different causes.

On December 10, you are encouraged not to call in sick to work. You are encouraged to call in "gay"--and donate your time to service!

December 10, 2008 is International Human Rights Day.
 
Join us, and search or add to the list of human rights organizations that need our help RIGHT NOW.

BUT I CAN'T CALL IN AT WORK ON 12/10 OR I'LL GET FIRED!

If you live in one of the 30 states where individuals can still be fired simply for being gay or lesbian, there are still plenty of ways that you can lend a hand and a voice in our fight for gay equality--without missing work.  FIND OUT what actions you can take RIGHT NOW!

 

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IN America, we are granted with FREEDOM OF SPEECH. We may not always agree with someone's views, but it is their choice to have their own opinion. Like it or not.

All the drama around Prop 8 in California has escalated, out of control.

 

A supporter of California's Proposition 8, fed up with what he believed was the gay community's and "liberal media's" refusal to accept the voters' verdict against same-sex marriage, fired off a letter to the editor.

"Please show respect for democracy," he wrote to the San Francisco Chronicle.

What he encountered instead was an utter lack of respect for free speech.

Within hours, the intimidation game was on. Because his real name and city were listed -- a condition for publication of letters to The Chronicle -- opponents of Prop. 8 used Internet search engines to find the letter writer's small business, his Web site (which included the names of his children and dog), his phone number and his clients. And they posted that information in the "Comments" section of SFGate.com -- urging, in ugly language, retribution against the author's business and its identified clients.


We can not intimidate people that don't have the same beliefs as  we do! We can try to educate them. And we try to move on, move forward, with positive iniatives. Step around the "haters" and don't spend your energy there.

Papers  have already been filed with the Supreme Courts in an attempt to overturn the YES ON 8. And this petition is being circulated  by John Smithers, who I met thru the Human Rights Campaign Group on LinkedIn. And  it is  being sent to the President of the United States, United States House of Representatives, United States Senate. (President elect Obama has already stated he is FOR equal rights for gay couples under a civil partnership act).  



So if you are a reader of this blog and support  equality for gay people, please take 2 minutes and sign this petition!

If you REALLY want  to help, there is second petition to repeal the Defense Against Marriage Act.

If you a blogger - please help spread the word and this link.

And if you are not in support of equal rights for gay people, you are probably  heterosexual and have of all your rights! But hey, that's your choice, have a good day!


Derrick  Sorles
Michael  Snell

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In just 2 short weeks,

Californians could help change history. 




Watch HOPE Video.





What is Prop 8?

Prop 8 would eliminate equal protections and put discrimination into the state constitution. Get the facts!

Why Vote No on Prop 8?

Prop.8 is unfair, unnecessary and wrong. Find out why Californians are voting no on Prop 8!

Who Opposes Prop 8?

Nearly every major newspaper in California, and groups representing teachers, nurses, seniors, business and labor, oppose Proposition 8. Read the current list of opponents.

Facts v. Fiction

Neutral observers say the Prop. 8 campaign has been untruthful and grossly misleading. Find out more!

Our battle begun in 1969 - The Stonewall Riots. But Harvey Milk really helped bring gay rights to the forefront in the Seventies. Harvey  Milk was an American politician and the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California, as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

Harvey Milk served almost eleven months as city supervisor and was responsible for passing a stringent gay rights ordinance in San Francisco. On November 27, 1978, Milk and Mayor George Moscone were assassinated by Dan White, another city supervisor who had recently resigned and wanted his job back.

Both Milk's election and the events following his assassination demonstrated the liberalization of the population and political conflicts between the city government and a conservative police force.


Watch the MILK movie Trailer!


In you live in California, make sure you get out and vote! Let your voice be heard!
This is an important election year for all of us!

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WELCOME  TO  BEST GAY PALM SPRINGS!

With year round sun, breath-taking mountain views and world-class shopping, Palm Springs has twice been voted the best gay destination. And we plan to cover and promote everything under the sun in this desert tropical oasis!
 
Let us be your guide to everything gay and gay-friendly in Palm Springs and also show you some things off the beaten path, that only the locals know about!

THE BEST GAY PALM SPRINGS!

For advertising information and SEO perks  for your business, contact us today!

Michael Snell and  Derrick  Sorles  
(773) 878-5323 

e-mail us!

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Sunday October 26, 2008, Sam Harris  is coming to town! It is a concert to benefit The Desert Aids Project and Shelter From The Storm.

The concert begins at 7:00 PM and tickets can be purchased by calling (760) 320-7488 ex: 266. For $50, a seat can be yours - with 100% of the proceeds going to the Desert Aids Project and Shelter From The Storm.

MyDesert reported, Most couples do dinner and movie to celebrate an anniversary. Not Mike Carson and Ron Steigerwalt.

The Palm Springs couple, who met in Golden Gate Park in 1978, married in San Diego on Aug. 10. On the 30th anniversary of their first meeting, the couple is throwing a party. A big party.

The couple paid to bring singer/actor Sam Harris to perform a benefit concert for Desert AIDS Project and Shelter from the Storm.

The Desert AIDS Project has serve people in the valley living with HIV and AIDS with medical care and social services since 1984.
 
Established in 1993, Shelter from the Storm is a domestic violence shelter that provides comprehensive services to battered women and children.

“We believe deeply in the missions of these two organizations. One provides assistance to people with HIV and the other support for battered women and children. Who wouldn’t want to help organizations like these?” Steigerwalt said in a statement.


The Best of Gay Palm Springs and the New Gay Travel Guide

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Saturday  October  25th   7:30am registration - 9:30 am  walk begins

at  Frances  Stevens Park.

More information - Visit Desert Aids Project

        

National Coming Out Day is an internationally-observed civil awareness day for coming out and discussion about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues. It is observed on October 11 by members of the LGBT communities and their supporters.

The day was founded by Dr. Robert Eichberg and Jean O'Leary in 1988, in celebration of the Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights one year earlier, in which 500,000 people marched on Washington, DC,  for gay and lesbian equality.

National Coming Out Day events are aimed at raising awareness of the LGBT community among the general populace in an effort to give a familiar face to the LGBT rights movement.



Despite its name, National Coming Out Day (so called because it originated as an event in the United States) is in fact observed in many countries, including Switzerland, Germany Canada and the United Kingdom. As of 2008 The Netherlands also has Coming Out Day on 10-11.


HRC RESOURCE GUIDES FOR COMING OUT


COMING OUT ON YOU TUBE


2008 LIST OF COMING OUT EVENTS AROUND THE US  Find out what's going on in your area!

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Just two weeks  away!  

30,000+  LGBT people set to invade Disneyland in Anaheim California! 

11th Annual GAY DAYS ANAHEIM 

Following last year's event which attracted nearly 30,000 gays and lesbians from California and all over the country, this year’s Gay Days Anaheim will be held Friday, October 3 through Sunday, October 5, 2008.

Gay Days Anaheim is a "mix-in" with straight park-goers. -  Gays and lesbians are encouraged to wear red shirts to the parks to identify one another and show strong numbers. Official T-shirts are available at the official Gay Day at Disneyland Web site. -  or be creative and design your own!

Both days in the park will have gathering times for specific groups including gay youth (sponsored by The Trevor Project), families, women, singles, and bears. THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE! There will be scavenger hunts and a group photo inside the park. A complete schedule is available at the web site.

The weekend opens Friday, October 3 with WONDERLAND, a dance party with DJ Ray Rhodes (Tiger Heat, KBIG 104), hosted by Los Angeles drag diva Momma. Alec Mapa (Ugly Betty) will host the VIP room. The event, benefitting The Trevor Project, runs from 9:30pm–1am at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen located in Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort. Tickets are $15 at the door.

 

Saturday, will be Gay Day at Disneyland resort all day, which culminates with the famous  KINGDOM party, the weekend’s signature dance party with music from internationally renowned DJ Kimberly S. There will be special performances by Erin Hamilton ("Dreamweaver"), Shoshana Bean, and Matt Zarley. The event will be held at the House of Blues Anaheim in Downtown Disney from 9pm–1:30am. Tickets are $30 in advance, $40 at the door.

 
Sunday, October 6 will be Gay Day at Disney's California Adventure.

Other events during the weekend include free movie screenings at the Gay Days Entertainment Center presented by here! (located inside the Trillium Room of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel). Chad Allen will introduce his new film, "Ice Blues", on Saturday night. Brad Rowe will be present his indie hit, "Shelter", on Sunday night.

A limited number of Discounted hotel rooms and park tickets are  still available and currently offered at  Gay Days Anaheim.

*Gay Days Anaheim is NOT a Disney-sponsored event so Disney will not have any information regarding this "unofficial" happening.

However, you can rest assured , Disney welcomes the LGBT community and has lots  of security on hand to make sure  we have fun and are not in any way harassed by straight park-goers.


It's an awesome and empowering event!
And just a short ride (about 90 minutes) from Palm Springs!

For more information -

GAY DAYS ANAHEIM OFFICIAL SITE        Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau

New Gay Travel Guide
 

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LALA POOL OOZA!

September 20th


Hotel Zoso

Last year a giant singing shark attacked!

This year a space alien lands to
repopulate it’s dying planet with
hot men and women!!!

Doors open at 5 PM
Showtime is 7:30 PM

Buffet is included in the ticket price!
Dinner buffet is served from 5 to 7

Warning, Warning, Warning:

Poolside guests may get splashed!!!
So dress casually and wear sensible shoes!!!!

Watch the video clip!

BUY TICKETS ONLINE for this fabulous benefit!




Funds raised go to  four different charities: the "Desert Pride Community Center," "Desert Women for Equality," "Aids Assistance Program," and the "Desert Aids Project."


The Best of Palm Springs and the New Gay Travel Guide

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Visitors to southern California for the past five   years, have been seeking out this unique

Barbra Streisand Shop
in Palm Springs, California.

The "barber shop" by day / Streisand gallery and "Barbra Shop" by night is presently located at  Silver Scissors, 278-D North Palm Canyon in  the Harvey Frank Arcade. (The shop was located at 303 Arenas until last year.)

Owner, Louis (Lou) J.Papalas was the curator of the Streisand Legacy  Collection Exhibit at the Hollywood Museum in Hollywood California.

The 1200 piece exhibit featuring over 50 of Barbra's  costumes/gowns was on exhibit from December 2005 through January 2007. 

A smaller exhibit  featuring the legendary and iconic "My Name is Barbra" gown, from the 1965 TV special of the same name,  remained on display at the Hollywood Museum  through September 2007.




Currently  the Salon Hours are  9-5  Monday -Saturday, and 10-3  on Sundays

Gallery Hours  can change seasonally, so call if you are interested in stopping by 248-225-3158.
There are over 50,000 Streisand items for sale! Visitors  marvel over the numerous and
varied collectibles and art  on display. Items ranging from $1 to $10,000 are available for purchase.  Tens of thousands of Streisand items are warehoused  near the Barbra Shop. Warehouse tours may be scheduled by appointment.



The Best of Gay Palm Springs  and the New Gay Travel Guide

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Regent Releasing newest film is the the Korean's gay feature "No Regret" which opens in Palm Spings/Palm Desert this week.  

08/01/08  Palm Desert
@      Cinemas Palme d'Or

Set in Seoul, South Korea, "No Regret" centers on Sumin (Lee Young-Hoon), who leaves the orphanage where he grew up and heads to the city to study art design.
 
After losing his job at a factory due to layoffs, he finds himself working as a prostitute in a gay bar.

Initially Sumin resists the advances of Jaemin (Lee Han), who comes from a rich and conservative family that doesn’t accept his sexual identity.

Eventually Sumin succumbs to Jaemin’s advances, after they briefly experience happiness as passionate lovers, Sumin and Jaemin’s relationship falls into heartache and tragedy.




Watch the movie trailer for NO REGRET!


The Best of Gay  Palm Spings and the New Gay Travel Guide

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