Greater Palm Springs Pride has named six individuals and one organisation for its 2026 Pride Honors Awards, with the ceremony taking place in Palm Springs on 24 September. The event marks 40 years of local Pride, offering a warm, timely look at the people and groups whose advocacy, business leadership and volunteering continue to shape the LGBTQ+ community.

Essential Takeaways

  • Seven recipients recognised: Six individuals and the Desert Business Association will receive 2026 Pride Honors Awards.
  • Ceremony date: The awards take place on 24 September at the Hilton Palm Springs, with doors opening at 5.30pm.
  • A milestone year: The event coincides with the 40th anniversary of Palm Springs Pride, which began in 1986.
  • Wide-ranging contributions: Honourees include advocates, hospitality professionals, entrepreneurs, volunteers and community organisers.
  • Tickets available: Attendance details and tickets are available through the Greater Palm Springs Pride website.

Palm Springs Pride marks four decades of progress

Palm Springs Pride is pairing its 40th anniversary with a celebration of the people who keep the movement active between parades, festivals and headline moments. The 2026 awards ceremony will be held at the Hilton Palm Springs, creating a more intimate setting for a community whose story began with much smaller gatherings.

According to Greater Palm Springs Pride's history, the first local celebration took shape in 1986, with the Desert Business Association playing an important early role. What started as a modest show of solidarity eventually grew into a street parade by 1990, giving the region one of its most recognisable annual traditions.

That history makes this year's ceremony feel more than ceremonial. It's a chance to connect the colourful public face of Pride with the quieter work that happens all year round.

Meet the advocates behind the 2026 honours

André Chambers will receive the Spirit of Pride Award, recognising his work promoting equality and visibility. His background spans writing, art, nursing and advocacy, while his work with the leather community and support for transgender young people add several distinct strands to his contribution.

Chambers is also featured in the documentary "Merman", bringing a personal story to a wider audience. Greater Palm Springs Pride's programmes emphasise education, inclusion and community connection, values that sit comfortably alongside his advocacy.

Randy Perrin, meanwhile, will be honoured as Spirit of Stonewall Volunteer of the Year. His volunteering began during the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and his later work has included helping establish a Federal GLOBE chapter and coordinating environmental and community projects through Gay For Good Palm Springs.

Local businesses are part of the Pride story too

Townie Bagels co-owners Andy Wysocki and Bill Sanderson will receive the Business of Pride Award. Their path from selling bagels at the farmers' market to opening a shop in Warm Sands is a familiar small-business tale, but it also reflects the role inclusive local businesses can play in making a neighbourhood feel welcoming.

The Desert Business Association will receive Spirit of Stonewall Organization of the Year. Established in 1979, it is recognised as one of the United States' oldest LGBTQ+ chambers of commerce and represents more than 375 members, according to organisational information compiled by Cause IQ.

Its involvement reaches back to the origins of Palm Springs Pride, when indoor "Sizzle" fundraisers helped build momentum for a larger public event. Today, the business network's legacy sits neatly alongside the awards' focus on community-building and economic visibility.

The behind-the-scenes organisers get their moment

Kristie Dore, director of event services at the Palm Springs Convention Center, will receive the Spirit of Stonewall Friend of Pride Award. Over 13 years, she has helped oversee events including the Harvey Milk Breakfast and National LGBT Chamber of Commerce conferences, while also serving on the LGBTQ+ Community Center of the Desert board.

That kind of work rarely gets the loudest applause, but it keeps major community events running smoothly. Dore's recognition highlights the practical, often behind-the-scenes labour that turns a programme from an idea into a welcoming room full of people.

Leslie Barclay will receive the Community Service Award. As an LGBTQ specialist with Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits, Barclay has used professional partnerships to support civil rights organisations, community centres and health initiatives since 1994.

Together, the two awards underline a useful truth: community service isn't limited to one job title. It can happen through event planning, corporate relationships, board service or simply knowing how to bring the right people together.

What to know before attending the ceremony

The 2026 Pride Honors Awards will take place on 24 September at the Hilton Palm Springs. Doors open at 5.30pm, and the programme begins at 6pm. Tickets are being offered through pspride.org, which also provides information about Greater Palm Springs Pride's wider mission and programmes.

For visitors, the ceremony could be a thoughtful addition to a Palm Springs trip, particularly for anyone interested in the region's LGBTQ+ history beyond the better-known festival atmosphere. For local residents, it's a chance to see familiar names and organisations recognised in one room.

As Pride enters its fifth decade locally, the outlook is both celebratory and practical. The parade may provide the sparkle, but people such as these honourees are the steady hands keeping the community moving.

It's a milestone worth celebrating, and an evening designed to put the people behind Palm Springs Pride centre stage.

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