More than 550 guests gathered on Saturday, November 8 at the historic Houston Estate in Old Las Palmas for the 24th annual Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Palm Springs Garden Party. Held during Palm Springs Pride Weekend, the sold-out event brought together advocates, allies, and elected officials for an afternoon of connection, celebration, and inspired action in support of LGBTQ+ equality.
Guests arrived in festive garden party attire, joining a vibrant community of supporters from across the country. The event honored two standout organizations for their leadership and impact: the City of Palm Springs and the Transgender Health & Wellness Center.
HRC Community Leadership Award: City of Palm Springs
Palm Springs was recognized for its sustained commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion, having earned a perfect score of 100 on HRC’s Municipal Equality Index (MEI) in both 2023 and 2024. Accepting the award, Mayor Ron deHarte emphasized the city’s dedication to unconditional inclusion:
“To be honored with the HRC Community Leadership Award is a profound affirmation of our values,” said Mayor deHarte. “We are fiercely proud to lead the charge for full equality for all people, and we stand with the Human Rights Campaign to fight relentlessly for a truly just tomorrow.”
HRC Community Impact Award: Transgender Health & Wellness Center
The Transgender Health & Wellness Center, a trans-led organization serving Southern California, was honored for its affirming care and youth support services that promote health, safety, and belonging across the Coachella Valley. Founder and CEO Thomi Clinton accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
Executive producer Brian O’Connor praised the honorees and the event’s volunteer planning committee:
“Our honorees reflect the best of our community: courageous, compassionate and in action, committed to equality for all.”
The program also featured remarks from Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA-42) and Brandon Wolf, National Press Secretary for HRC, adding powerful voices to an already inspiring afternoon.
For more on the Human Rights Campaign and its work, visit hrc.org.