The People Behind Pride

Palm Springs Pride has room for glitter, grit—and a really good bagel. This year’s Pride Honors Awards will celebrate the people who turn visibility into everyday service, from helping someone through addiction recovery to building businesses where neighbors feel welcome.

As Palm Springs marks Pride’s 40th anniversary, Greater Palm Springs Pride will recognize six individuals and one organization whose work spans advocacy, entrepreneurship, volunteerism and community support.

The ceremony takes place on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Hilton Palm Springs, 400 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the program beginning at 6 p.m. The event is scheduled to conclude at 7:30 p.m. All times are Pacific Daylight Time.

For Spirit of Pride Award recipient André Chambers, visibility comes with responsibility. Known as the “Gay Glitter Mayor of Palm Springs,” Chambers is an author, artist and registered nurse specializing in addiction recovery. His advocacy includes mentoring within the leather community and supporting transgender youth. A former Eagle LA Mr. Leather titleholder, he is also the subject of the documentary Merman.

Andy Wysocki and Bill Sanderson, the partners behind Townie Bagels, will receive the Business of Pride Award. Their contribution began with a practical problem: finding an authentic New York-style bagel in the desert.

After moving to Palm Springs in 2007, they built a following at the local farmers market before establishing their Warm Sands shop in 2015. Organizers are recognizing both their entrepreneurship and community support—a reminder that neighborhood connections can begin across a bakery counter.

The Desert Business Association, receiving the Spirit of Stonewall Organization of the Year award, provides the evening’s direct link to Pride’s beginnings. Founded in 1979, the LGBTQ+ chamber represents more than 375 members and supports small businesses through networking, education and preparation for contracting opportunities.

Its significance reaches beyond commerce. The association helped establish Palm Springs’ first Pride celebration in 1986, with early indoor “Sizzle” fundraisers laying groundwork for the public celebrations that followed. Four decades later, that history gives this recognition particular weight.

Kristie Dore, recipient of the Spirit of Stonewall Friend of Pride Award, has helped create welcoming spaces on a different scale. As director of event services at the Palm Springs Convention Center, her work has included the Harvey Milk Breakfast and major LGBTQ+ business and tourism conferences. She also serves on the board of the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert.

Community Service Award recipient Leslie Barclay, LGBTQ specialist at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, has spent decades connecting corporate support with grassroots needs, including community centers, health initiatives and equality organizations.

Randy Perrin, the Spirit of Stonewall Volunteer of the Year, began volunteering during the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Now active with Gay For Good Palm Springs, he helps mobilize volunteers for environmental cleanups, school projects and nonprofit assistance.

General seating costs $25 plus a 63-cent service fee, including light hors d’oeuvres and complimentary wine; a no-host bar will also be available. Desert Care Network and Hilton Palm Springs co-chair the ceremony. Tickets are available through the Greater Palm Springs Pride website.