Palm Springs invites you to show up exactly as you are — then relax into something even better: your most joyful, rejuvenated, resort-ready self. This is a desert paradise built on warmth, community, and full-throttle self-expression. No judgment, just joy.
Community & Connection
Palm Springs isn’t just a place to visit — it’s a place to belong, thanks to a robust network of organizations rooted in TGI leadership, support, and celebration.
Trans Health & Wellness Center (TH&WC)
The largest trans-led nonprofit in Southern California offers housing services, counseling, employment support, legal guidance, and more — by and for the TGI community. Healing Rainbows provides supportive services and hosts a variety of workshops, classes, support groups, and other activities. They even offer cooking and makeup classes.
340 S Farrel Drive, Suite A208
The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert (The Center)
A local hub of togetherness and fun, hosting everything from the All Out Summer Dance Party to pet-centric holiday drives. Their programming is robust and inclusive year-round.
1301 N Palm Canyon Drive, #301
“A lot of trans and nonbinary folks are isolated, so this is a great chance to meet other people who are like-minded and share the same experiences.” — Renae Punzalan (TH&WC), Director of Youth Services
Signature Events & Social Life
There’s always something fabulous happening in Palm Springs.
Trans and Non-binary Tuesday
TH&WC hosts Trans & Nonbinary Tuesday each month at the pink-powered Trixie Motel — a beloved social event where RSVPs are essential (yes, it fills up!). This is a dazzling destination, a renowned resort, and truly a melting pot of lipstick, laughter, and libations. It's a great place to meet people and learn about the resources available.
“A majority of the people that show up - about 85 to 90 percent, are trans and nonbinary, and the rest are allies. Even the guests of the hotel they're aware that we have a function and it's private, but a lot of them, we invite them to hang out with us," notes Punzalan
Spring Spotlights
Two iconic annual celebrations:
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Red Dress/Dress Red, an over-the-top benefit gala held at the Palm Springs Air Museum every March, exploding with fashion, performances, and spectacle in support of The Center.
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The Pink Ball, a signature TH&WC fundraiser held every April, where guests arrive in every shade of Palm Springs pink to dance, mingle, and make an impact.
Film lovers should plan for January’s Palm Springs International Film Festival and June’s ShortFest, both of which proudly feature TGI stories on the big screen. Later in the year, watch for Trans Pride, Femme Function, and TH&WC’s themed community gatherings like the Witch’s Hat Party and workforce empowerment events.
Fashion Without Rules
Style in Palm Springs is vintage-loving, gender-expansive, and completely untethered from the binary. Shop Seaplane Shirts for bold, art-forward apparel; pop into Peepa’s for kaftans, color, and unconventional finds; browse Just Fabulous for campy homewares and LGBTQ+ design books; and treasure hunt at Revivals, where all profits benefit DAP Health — because giving back never looked so good.
Eat, Drink, and Werk
Brunch Royalty
Fuel your desert adventures with maximalist daytime drag delights. The Saguaro delivers rainbow-soaked vibes and poolside performances. Oscar’s Bitchiest Brunch is infamous for shade-slinging queens with razor-sharp tongues. Reforma hosts extravagant themed brunches starring queens like host Epiphany Kali and scene-stealers like Vanity Halston. Meanwhile, community-backed Loco Charlie’s Mexican Grill serves love, acceptance, and mouthwatering meals, having hosted some events.
Stylish Sips & Dining Out
Enjoy chic cocktails and modern California cuisine at Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge, a beloved hot spot housed in a former midcentury post office with vibrant décor and a loyal LGBTQ+ following.
Nightlife & Arenas Road Staples
Nightfall calls for sequins, cocktails, and TGI-inclusive fun along Arenas Road. Chill Bar, Hunters, and Streetbar welcome all identities nightly; Blackbook serves as a genuine safe space with unforgettable wings and easy-going vibes. Toucan’s Tiki Lounge hosts RuPaul-level performers and show-stopping drag. Tickets recommended — this hot spot sells out fast.
Everyday Joy Beyond the Scene
Palm Springs makes everyday life extraordinary. The Social Cafe & Play Lounge offers karaoke, trivia, and cozy hangouts staffed by members of the community — a perfect alternative to nightlife. It's very open to trans and gender diverse folks and an excellent alternative for those who don't want to go to bars.
Public Accommodations
Palm Springs law mandates that all single-occupancy restrooms in businesses and public accommodations must be designated all gender (also known as gender neutral) and accessible to everyone regardless of gender identity. This regulation took effect on October 1, 2016, through Ordinance No. 1895 in the Palm Springs Municipal Code.
Travel Your Truth, Your Way
Whether you’re seeking celebration, connection, resources, relaxation — or all of the above — Palm Springs delivers it with loving arms and year-round sunshine. Come exactly as you are, and leave even more unapologetically yourself.