Palm Springs Pride announces 2026 Pride Honors Award recipients
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — Greater Palm Springs Pride announced the honorees for the 2026 Pride Honors Awards.
The awards celebrate individuals and organizations whose dedication, advocacy, and leadership have made a lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ community across the Coachella Valley and beyond.
Organizers said this year’s ceremony carries special significance as Palm Springs marks the 40th Anniversary of Pride, a legacy sparked in 1986 when the Desert Business Association helped lay the foundation for the region's first Pride celebration.
The 2026 Pride Honors Awards will be presented on September 24, 2026, at the Palm Springs Hilton. Tickets on pspride.org.
Spirit of Pride Award: André Chambers
Presented to an individual who enhances the quality of life in the region by raising awareness to advance equality, promote diversity, and celebrate the strength and talent of the LGBTQ+ community.
Known affectionately as the "Gay Glitter Mayor of Palm Springs," André Chambers is an author, artist, advocate, and registered nurse specializing in addiction recovery. A former Eagle LA Mr. Leather titleholder, Chambers brings compassion and visibility to every corner of his work—from mentoring within the leather community to advocating for transgender youth. His story of resilience is featured in the award-winning documentary Merman.
Business of Pride Award: Andy Wysocki & Bill Sanderson (Townie Bagels)
Celebrating LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and inclusive businesses that blend commercial excellence with advocacy and set the standard for economic empowerment, driving innovation, and proving that authenticity and equality are the cornerstones of lasting success.
After relocating to Palm Springs in 2007, partners Andy Wysocki and Bill Sanderson turned a quest for an authentic New York-style bagel into a beloved local institution. Founded at the local Farmers’ Market and established in Warm Sands in 2015, Townie Bagels serves as a neighborhood anchor rooted in traditional baking, active community support, and a 35-year partnership.
Spirit of Stonewall Organization of the Year: Desert Business Association (DBA)
Recognizing an outstanding group with a proven commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community in the Coachella Valley.
Founded in 1979, the DBA is one of the nation’s oldest LGBTQ+ chambers of commerce. Representing over 375 members, the DBA champions small businesses through networking, educational programming, and contract readiness. Notably, the DBA played a foundational role in launching Palm Springs Pride 40 years ago. Before becoming a street parade, Palm Springs Pride began in the mid-1980s as the DBA’s indoor "Sizzle" fundraisers. Early organizers shaped its foundation: Bob Hoven co-founded the 1986 event during the AIDS crisis; Dr. Barry Woods ensured financial survival; Dr. Herb Lazenby unified the community; and Greg Pettis moved Pride into public spaces by 1990.
Spirit of Stonewall Friend of Pride Award: Kristie Dore
Honoring an ally whose unwavering dedication, leadership, and heart have helped build a more inclusive Coachella Valley. This award celebrates an individual who uses their platform to advocate for equality, elevate LGBTQ+ voices, and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our community over time.
As Director of Event Services at the Palm Springs Convention Center for 13 years, Kristie Dore has led the execution of major regional events, including the Harvey Milk Breakfast and conferences for the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce and the LGBTQ+ International Travel Association. As a board member for the LGBTQ+ Community Center of the Desert, Dore has dedicated her career to creating inclusive, welcoming spaces across the valley.
Community Service Award: Leslie Barclay
Presented in recognition of an extraordinary individual or organization whose selfless dedication, tireless volunteerism, and visionary leadership uplift our community, creating a lasting legacy of compassion, empowerment, and meaningful progress for all.
Serving as the LGBTQ Specialist at Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits, Leslie Barclay has spent four decades championing inclusion and opportunity across the industry. Since 1994, she has leveraged corporate partnerships to fuel vital grassroots initiatives, lending tireless support to civil rights advocates, regional community centers, local health initiatives, and statewide equality organizations.
Spirit of Stonewall Volunteer of the Year: Randy Perrin
Presented in celebration of an exceptional advocate whose hands-on dedication, unwavering spirit, and selfless grassroots service inspire hope, strengthen our community from the ground up, and turn everyday commitment into transformative action.
A longtime advocate who began volunteering during the HIV/AIDS epidemic and helped start the Federal GLOBE Southern California Chapter at the IRS, Randy Perrin has dedicated his retirement to community service. As an active leader with Gay For Good (G4G) Palm Springs, Perrin mobilizes volunteers for environmental cleanups, school projects, and local non-profit support
