palm springs, a desert oasis known for its stunning scenery and unique architecture, has a rich history that includes a significant evolution into a prominent haven for the LGBTQ+ community.
while not explicitly founded as such, the town's welcoming atmosphere and independent spirit, combined with the presence of pioneering individuals, laid the groundwork for its later recognition as a vibrant gay mecca.
early pioneers and an unconventional spirit
the narrative of palm springs' early days is marked by fascinating characters who defied societal norms and contributed to the area's distinctive character.
one such individual was dr. florilla white. arriving in palm springs in after fleeing the mexican revolution, dr. white, a trained medical professional, made a perilous journey to rescue her sister, cornelia.
they had been engaged in pioneering work at an american residential colony in sinaloa.
their escape from mexico was fraught with danger. forced to abandon their belongings, the sisters embarked on a challenging journey, traveling over a hundred miles on a railroad handcar, safeguarding their firearms throughout the ordeal.
their experiences in the desert included riding horses, herding cattle, and undertaking extensive expeditions with indigenous communities, demonstrating a remarkable resilience and a deep connection to the land.
hosting the avant-garde and defying expectations
back in palm springs, the white sisters' hotel became a gathering place for equally unconventional guests.
among them was the legendary silent film star rudolph valentino, celebrated as one of the era's most iconic romantic idols. valentino had recently married natacha rambova across the border in mexico. the following year, allegations of bigamy arose against valentino.
dr. white played a role in the proceedings, testifying that the mexican marriage had not been consummated, as she and valentino's bride had shared a bedroom while valentino slept on the porch, hinting at the complex social dynamics of the time.
florilla white herself lived a life of independence, embracing learning, doing, and living on her own terms.
her sister, cornelia, also stood out for her progressive style. in an era where women typically wore full skirts and petticoats, cornelia donned riding breeches and puttees for her equestrian adventures across the desert and mountains. to protect herself from the intense desert sun, she completed her practical attire with a pith helmet.
wealth, freedom, and a bohemian allure
another influential figure drawn to palm springs was helen jacobson kellogg.
she first visited the desert inn in 1925 for a winter retreat, arriving from chicago. so captivated was she by the locale that she returned annually. by 1930, she had acquired land and commenced the construction of her distinctive moroccan-persian style castle.
palm springs' unconventional environment deeply resonated with kellogg's independent spirit. having inherited a substantial fortune, she spent it generously, unburdened by the typical constraints of society.
according to historian peter wild, kellogg's life was characterized by what some might consider self-destructive behaviors, including rumored affairs with valentino, engagement with opium, and the use of whips and spurs.
at this time, palm springs already hosted a significant population of lesbians, and even more were drawn to the city, eager to participate in its growing social scene.
the genesis of a modern queer celebration
the entrepreneurial spirit of mariah hanson played a pivotal role in shaping palm springs' modern identity.
recognizing the substantial lesbian presence, hanson strategically capitalized on this demographic by creating the renowned lesbian pool party and music festival known today as "the dinah."
what began as a localized event has blossomed into a nationally recognized festival.
"the dinah" has featured performances by some of the music industry's biggest stars, including lizzo, katy perry, lady gaga, iggy azalea, kesha, and meghan trainor. for nearly three decades, "the dinah" has remained one of the few prominent international venues specifically catering to queer women, offering a vital space for community and celebration.
the event, officially hosted at the riviera resort, typically takes place in late september.
attendees can experience performances from major musical acts alongside emerging queer artists, showcasing a diverse range of talent. the event's social media presence, exemplified by posts from "the dinah" on platforms like instagram, further underscores its cultural significance and widespread appeal.
a haven for entertainers and an inclusive governance
palm springs also emerged as a favored retirement destination for many entertainers seeking a more tranquil lifestyle after leaving the stage.
this influx of creative and often progressive-minded individuals contributed to the town's evolving social fabric.
the town's commitment to inclusivity is perhaps most vividly demonstrated in its local governance. the current five-member city council comprises three gay men, one queer woman, and one transgender woman, reflecting a significant and intentional representation of the LGBTQ+ community.
this progressive political landscape was further solidified a month after the council's appointment, underscoring palm springs' dedication to inclusive representation.
a perfect score in queer inclusiveness
palm springs consistently achieves a perfect score on indices that measure LGBTQ+ inclusiveness, demonstrating a deep-seated commitment to equality.
this dedication extends to protecting transgender and gender nonconforming residents, evident in the provision of gender-neutral restrooms throughout the city.
this commitment was notably reinforced in 2016 when palm springs once again received a perfect score of 100 on the human rights index.
this recognition celebrated the city's efforts in integrating queer inclusiveness into its urban policies and services. it's clear that palm springs has firmly established itself as a resilient, vibrant, and profoundly welcoming society for all.
for those interested in staying updated on travel news and trends, subscribing to a monthly newsletter can provide a regular dose of the latest insights.
this article was originally published on july 22nd and updated on april 16th, offering a concise yet comprehensive look at palm springs' remarkable journey.