Drag brunch comes to Hard Rock as part of International Bear Convergence event

For the first time in several months, the Hard Rock hotel in Palm Springs opened their doors to a drag show brunch Sunday morning. Event organizers say it was part of a larger event, the International Bear Convergence, hosted primarily for gay men.

The previous Sunday drag show to take place at the Hard Rock ended in discrimination allegations and a lawsuit.

Nino Eilets is a co-producer for the annual IBC event. “What we do is have a good time. Everyone is invited to do so,” Eilets said.

It’s the third year the four day event has been at the hotel in Palm Springs, featuring activities like art show exhibits, pool parties and a drag show brunch.

“Whatever comments are made about it being anti gay…I think it all has no merit whatsoever,” Eilets said.

I was the first drag show to come to the Hard Rock hotel in Palm Springs since Alfie Pettit, better known as Arial Trampway, was let go back in October. In January Hard Rock Palm Springs management told KESQ/CBS Local 2, Pettit’s drag show was “failing”. In response, Pettit claimed upper management with the hotel was heard by a fellow employee saying he didn’t want the Hard Rock to become a “gay hotel”. Pettit filed a lawsuit alleging discrimination among other things.

Both the Hard Rock Palm Springs management and Pettit denied to make any additional comments Sunday.