Strolling down Arenas Rd, one will notice gay and lesbian friends and couples enjoying a vast array of bars and LGBTQ shops. Though a popular gay destination today, when Jeffrey Sanker first started the White Party, Palm Springs wasn’t all that openly gay. If anything, Palm Springs was a hideaway for closeted Hollywood.
Craig Prater, former director of the Palm Springs International Film Festival, credits Sanker and the White Party for changing this and transforming Palm Springs to nationally recognized gay-friendly destination. The annual White Party has been known to generate upwards of a million dollars in tax revenue. Filling hotels and restaurants with scores of visitors in town for the event.
This year, White Party Palm Springs turned 30! Party revelers from all over the globe descended on the Hilton Palm Springs and the Palm Springs Convention Center for 72 hours of dance, camaraderie and spectacular mountain views! Seven parties in all!
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Upon arrival to the host hotel, dedicated circuit fans were already sipping cocktails, soaking rays and moving to the rhythms of DJ Blacklow. Let’s just say; I wasn’t surprised! Friday night’s Military Ball officially kicked off the weekend with music by DJs Oscar Velasquez and GSP! Men in sexy military garb also enjoyed an electrifying live performance by Nikki Valentine and Amanda! Where else could I rock Nasty Pig’s camo shorts & Hook’d Up sports socks in orange? Without a doubt, we all had a ball.
Saturday morning, after a hearty breakfast at Sherman’s Deli & Bakery, attendees at the Muscle Pool Party had the chance to witness a first-ever White Party wedding! Two handsome Italians- that met at last year’s White Party tied the knot in front of friends, and strangers. In a rather interesting ceremony officiated by former Queer Eye, Jai Rodriguez. Vows shared in broken English and a passionate groom-on-groom kiss made for a sexy, sweet moment!
Saturday night’s “House of Gods” was the main event. Partygoers, dressed in white tunics, gold underwear, chains, and laurel wreaths, filled the Palm Springs Convention Center with dancing and shenanigans to the early dawn! Pulsing beats were courtesy of DJs Aron, Nina Flowers, and Dan Slater! Music powerhouse, Beth Anne Sacks also provided a spectacular performance!
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On Sunday afternoon, after hitting one of many private pool parties in town, I sashayed back to Downtown Palm Springs for the renowned White Party T-Dance! My excitement grew as I approached the grounds and saw the emblematic White Party Ferris wheel. Hundreds of gay men, clad in their most chic ensembles, danced to the awesome sounds of DJ Ben Bakson and DJ Suri!
Later that night…” RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni extraordinaire, Shangela, took to the stage and delivered a “sickening” performance that, yes, made me gag a few times! Not to mention, Canadian diva Deborah Cox, in a stunning Michael Costello dress, followed and belted memorable hits, including “Nobody’s Supposed to be Here,” “Absolutely Not” and “I Wanna Dance With Somebody!” – The crowd went wild. Soon after, spectacular fireworks lit the desert sky, bringing the party to an epic close!
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Some say that there is power and strength in longevity. If this is the case, Jeffrey Sanker’s White Party Palm Springs is 30 years strong and commands the power to unify our diverse LGBTQ community through friendship, love, music, and dance! Here’s to many more years!
Here are some of the best moments from this year’s White Party in Palm Springs.
Jorge Gallegos
Not just a pretty face
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