Greater Palm Springs Pride names honorees for 40th anniversary awards ceremony ⋆ The Palm Springs Post

*2026 Pride honorees include (clockwise from top left): Andre Chambers, Kristie Dore, Bill Sanderson and Andy Wysocki, Randy Perrin, The Desert Business Association, and Leslie Barclay.*

Greater Palm Springs Pride has announced the recipients of its 2026 Pride Honors Awards, recognizing individuals and an organization for their advocacy and leadership within the LGBTQ+ community.

The ceremony, set for Sept. 24 at the Hilton Palm Springs, coincides with the 40th anniversary of Palm Springs Pride, which traces its roots to 1986, when the Desert Business Association helped organize the region’s first Pride celebration. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the program beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are available through pspride.org.

André Chambers will receive the Spirit of Pride Award, given to someone who raises awareness of equality and diversity within the LGBTQ+ community. Chambers is an author, artist, advocate and registered nurse specializing in addiction recovery, and a former Eagle LA Mr. Leather titleholder. His work includes mentoring within the leather community and advocating for transgender youth, and his story is featured in the documentary “Merman.”

Andy Wysocki and Bill Sanderson, co-owners of Townie Bagels, will receive the Business of Pride Award, which honors LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and inclusive businesses. The pair moved to Palm Springs in 2007 and began selling bagels at the local Farmers’ Market before opening Townie Bagels in Warm Sands in 2015.

The Desert Business Association will receive the Spirit of Stonewall Organization of the Year award. Founded in 1979, the DBA is among the nation’s oldest LGBTQ+ chambers of commerce, representing more than 375 members. The organization also helped launch Palm Springs Pride four decades ago, when it held indoor “Sizzle” fundraisers before the event grew into a street parade by 1990.

Kristie Dore, director of event services at the Palm Springs Convention Center for 13 years, will receive the Spirit of Stonewall Friend of Pride Award. Dore has overseen events including the Harvey Milk Breakfast and conferences for the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and serves as a board member for the LGBTQ+ Community Center of the Desert.

Leslie Barclay, LGBTQ specialist at Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, will receive the Community Service Award. Barclay has worked in the role since 1994, using corporate partnerships to support civil rights advocates, community centers and health initiatives.

Randy Perrin will receive the Spirit of Stonewall Volunteer of the Year award. Perrin began volunteering during the HIV/AIDS epidemic and helped start the Federal GLOBE Southern California Chapter at the IRS. He now leads volunteer efforts with Gay For Good Palm Springs, organizing environmental cleanups and community projects.