Greater Palm Springs Pride has announced the honorees for the 2026 Pride Honors Awards, a signature event recognizing individuals and organizations whose leadership, advocacy, and service have strengthened the LGBTQ+ community across the Coachella Valley. This year’s ceremony carries added meaning as Palm Springs celebrates the 40th Anniversary of Pride, a milestone rooted in the Desert Business Association’s early efforts to establish the region’s first Pride gathering in 1986.
The awards will be presented on September 24, 2026, at the Hilton Palm Springs, with tickets available at pspride.org.
Spirit of Pride Award: André Chambers
The Spirit of Pride Award honors an individual who elevates regional quality of life by advancing equality and celebrating LGBTQ+ strength. Known as the “Gay Glitter Mayor of Palm Springs,” André Chambers is an author, artist, advocate, and registered nurse specializing in addiction recovery. A former Eagle LA Mr. Leather titleholder, Chambers is widely admired for his mentorship within the leather community and his advocacy for transgender youth. His personal journey is featured in the award‑winning documentary Merman.
Business of Pride Award: Andy Wysocki & Bill Sanderson (Townie Bagels)
This award celebrates LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs whose businesses model inclusion, innovation, and community impact. After relocating to Palm Springs in 2007, partners Andy Wysocki and Bill Sanderson transformed their search for an authentic New York‑style bagel into Townie Bagels, a beloved Warm Sands institution founded at the local Farmers’ Market and established in 2015. Their 35‑year partnership and commitment to traditional baking and neighborhood support have made Townie a cornerstone of local culture.
Spirit of Stonewall Organization of the Year: Desert Business Association (DBA)
Founded in 1979, the DBA is one of the nation’s oldest LGBTQ+ chambers of commerce, representing more than 375 members. The organization champions small businesses through networking, education, and contract readiness—and played a foundational role in launching Palm Springs Pride 40 years ago. Before Pride became a street parade, the DBA hosted indoor “Sizzle” fundraisers in the mid‑1980s. Early leaders including Bob Hoven, Dr. Barry Woods, Dr. Herb Lazenby, and Greg Pettis helped shape Pride’s evolution into a public celebration by 1990.
Spirit of Stonewall Friend of Pride Award: Kristie Dore
This honor recognizes an ally whose leadership and advocacy have strengthened LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion. As Director of Event Services at the Palm Springs Convention Center, Kristie Dore has overseen major regional events such as the Harvey Milk Breakfast and conferences for the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce and the LGBTQ+ International Travel Association. Her service as a board member for the LGBTQ+ Community Center of the Desert underscores her commitment to creating welcoming spaces across the valley.
Community Service Award: Leslie Barclay
Leslie Barclay, LGBTQ Specialist at Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, has spent four decades advancing inclusion and opportunity across the beverage industry. Since 1994, she has leveraged corporate partnerships to support grassroots initiatives, civil rights advocates, community centers, health programs, and statewide equality organizations—leaving a lasting legacy of empowerment and progress.
Spirit of Stonewall Volunteer of the Year: Randy Perrin
This award celebrates exceptional volunteerism and grassroots leadership. Beginning his advocacy during the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Randy Perrin helped establish the Federal GLOBE Southern California Chapter at the IRS. In retirement, he continues to serve the community through Gay For Good (G4G) Palm Springs, mobilizing volunteers for environmental cleanups, school projects, and nonprofit support.
Event Details
2026 Palm Springs Pride Honors Awards
September 24, 2026 — Doors at 5:30 PM, Program at 6:00 PM
Hilton Palm Springs Tickets: Available Here
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