Cathedral City to receive Human Rights Campaign Leadership Award next month

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) - Cathedral City will receive the Human Rights Campaign Community Leadership Award during next month's LGBT+ Days celebration, officials announced today.  

The award recognizes the city's commitment to LGBTQ+ equity and its consistent perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index, which evaluates cities on non-discrimination laws, municipal employment practices, services, law enforcement and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality, according to officials.

The city's most recent perfect score was published in November 2025.   

The presentation is scheduled for about 7 p.m. March 7 at the Stonewall Main Stage.

"Cathedral City has modeled what it looks like when inclusion is not simply affirmed but operationalized through governance,'' Brian O'Connor, member of HRC and HRC foundation board of directors, said in a statement. "This recognition celebrates the standard the city continues to set for communities across our region and the nation."  

Attendees will include representatives from HRC board of directors, Montage Events and city councilmembers.   

"As we celebrate ten year of LGBT+ Days, seeing Cathedral City recognized by the HRC for this perfect MEI score reinforces why this festival is so vital. It's a moment of pride not just for the city's leadership, but for every resident who calls this inclusive community home,'' Michael Westman of Montage Events said in a statement.  

This year's LGBT+ Days, themed "CommUNITY Strong,'' will be held from March 6-8 and will feature events including a pride drone show, a drag race competition, a bed race, parade and vendors. "American Idol'' alum David Archuleta will headline a festival performance on March 7.   

"Cathedral City is proud to be one of the most diverse and inclusive municipalities in the nation, and our vibrant LGBTQ+ community is a vital part of what makes this city so special,'' said Mayor Raymond Gregory.