Palm Springs
As the city of Palm Springs turns 80 years old and during the worldwide Pride Month in June, Palm Springs Pride announced it is recognizing the contributions and achievements of 80 lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender leaders and allies as OUTstanding Voices from Palm Springs.
The list of 80 influential individuals features those who exemplify the spirit of equality and opportunity for all. Along with the full Palm Springs City Council, the 2018 list includes Gail Christian and Lucy Debardelaben, Katherine Forrest, Christine Hammond, Alexis Ortega, Arlene Rosenthal, Dr. Ronni Sanlo, Ron Oden, John Williams, Rev. Kevin A. Johnson, Carol and Mike Balasa, and Barbara and Jerry Keller. The complete list of honorees is online and viewable here.
The purpose of the month is to recognize the impact that LGBT individuals and community allies have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally. The LGBT community is not taught its history at home, in public schools, nor in religious institutions. “OUTstanding Voices from Palm Springs is a platform to preserve and celebrate our history, and our community, business, and civic leaders who exemplify the qualities of courage, leadership and perseverance,” said Ron deHarte, president of Palm Springs Pride. “Honorees are visibly out or vocal allies that influence, impact and advance LGBT equality,” added deHarte.
Honorees include contributors and leaders in the cause for equal rights, youth allies, proud politicians, and civic insiders. Individuals were selected by a panel of nonprofit organization leaders. Organizers recognize there are many individuals living and deceased who have made significant contributions to the equality and social justice movements and the 2018 list of OUTstanding Voices is only a small representation of those who are deserving and worthy of recognition. Nominations came from the event vice chairs Barbara Carpenter, Ginny Foat, Mike Thompson, David Powell, and Palm Springs Pride.
The OUTstanding Voices from Palm Springs reception is scheduled for June 14, 2018 – 6pm – 7:30pm at the Hyatt Palm Springs. Tickets are available at pspride.org.
ABOUT GREATER PALM SPRINGS PRIDE
Greater Palm Springs Pride is a nonprofit community enhancement organization founded to promote the public education and awareness of individual rights and civil liberties of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and to promote the history, diversity and future prosperity of the Greater Palm Springs LGBT community. Palm Springs Pride has been a tireless advocate for equality and diversity since the first Coachella Valley Pride event was held in 1986.
The 501(c)(3) organization brings together the skills, talents and vision of our diverse community through its programs which include the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast, Pride Honors Awards, Community Leadership Council, OUT PSP (a food and drink event), the Pride Parade, Pride Festival, OUTstanding Voices from Palm Springs, and the downtown Palm Springs-based Arenas Road Block Party.
For more information about Greater Palm Springs Pride, visit www.pspride.org. The 2018 Palm Springs Pride Week under the theme of Youth Power for Change is scheduled for November 2-4, 2018.
