Lesbian Visibility Week

During Lesbian Visibility Week (LVW) 2026, we will be amplifying the need to protect health and wellbeing in our community. It is no secret that the LGBTQIA+ community is being targeted globally, making it vital that we protect ourselves in order to show up in the best way we can in this vital time of protest.

A highlight of the week is the recognition of remarkable local leaders whose courage, creativity, and advocacy have shaped the Coachella Valley’s lesbian and sapphic community.

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 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 & by 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 by
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 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 (South 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