Lesbian Visibility Week
Lesbian Visibility Week 2026 in the Coachella Valley was a powerful celebration of community, history, connection, and pride. Throughout the week, more than 340 participated in a wide range of events honoring the visibility, resilience, and contributions of lesbians, queer women, and sapphic voices across our region.
The week began with a meaningful flag raising ceremony and official proclamation recognizing Lesbian Visibility Week in Palm Springs, setting the tone for days filled with celebration and reflection. A highlight of the week was the “Trailblazing Lesbians of the Coachella Valley” exhibit, which honored local pioneers whose courage and leadership helped shape LGBTQ+ life in the desert.
Community members gathered for films, storytelling, educational presentations, coffee meetups, social events, and intergenerational conversations that created space for connection, visibility, and shared experiences. From intimate discussions to lively celebrations, each event reflected the strength and diversity of the lesbian community in the Coachella Valley.
Lesbian Visibility Week was made possible through the collaboration of community organizations and dedicated members of our community.
Lesbian Visibility Week Coachella Valley Committee
2026 Sponsors
Mon, Apr 20 (12pm): Flag Raising at The Center
Join community members and leaders as we kick off the week with a ceremonial flag raising in honor of Lesbian Visibility Week. The Mayor of Palm Springs, Naomi Soto, will read an official proclamation declaring April 20, 2026, as Lesbian Visibility Week in the City of Palm Springs. Public welcome.
Apr 21-26: Trailblazing Lesbians of Coachella Valley Photo Exhibit
On display at Welwood Murray Memorial Library (During regular library hours through the weekend). Explore the rich local history and contributions of local lesbian, queer women, and sapphic community pioneers in the region, honoring: Barbara Carpenter; Gail Christian & Lucy Debardelaben; Ruth Debra; Marjorie Main; Joani Hannan; and Melinda Tremaglio.
Tue, Apr 21 (9am): Coffee & Convo with Ruth Debra
Facilitated by Ruth Debra, this gathering offers a welcoming space for connection, reflection, and shared experiences across identities within the community.
Tue, Apr 21 (11am): Lesbian Health/Update & Data with
Dr. Karyl Ketchum
Join Karyl Ketchum, PhD for an encore of her presentation from the THRIVE L-Fund 2026 Conference. Data from Harvard tells us lesbians are living shockingly shorter lives -- Karyl will discuss how institutional failure is killing us and how we improve our conditions by caring for each other in the Coachella Valley.
Wed, Apr 22 (6:30pm):
Lesbian & Queer Women Films
Join us at the Palm Springs Cultural Center for a short documentary film by Tina Gordon “Joani: Queen of the Paradiddle” and “Looking for Lesbians: Queer Female Identity in Alternate Film Histories” presented by Deserted Films.
Thur, Apr 23 (6-7:30pm):
Wine Tasting Social
Join friends for a fun evening of community and conversation in a relaxed, inclusive social setting. Palm Springs Bottle Shop (North location).
Sat, Apr 25: Lez Go Meetup at the Big Gay BBQ
Join friends at Hunters, the only Lesbian Owned Bar in Palm Springs in the Arenas District for a Lesbian & Queer Women Meetup. A weekend celebration of community, pride, and visibility in the heart of Palm Springs.
For questions regarding the events listed above, contact Candice Nichols: candice@thecentercv.org or call 760-281-2603
For all media inquiries, contact: Jasmine Sullivan-Waits: jasmine@pspride.org or call 760-416-8801
