Diversity Rules Magazine

3 Diversity Rules Magazine February 2020 Joey Amato is the publisher of Pride Journeys, the premier source for LGBT travel. Joey publishes des na on reviews in addi on to life- style content that is both insigh ul and engaging to LGBT readers. Joey has spent the majority of his career dedicated to the LGBT community, hav- ing contributed to numerous publica ons around North America. In addi on, he owns Agency33 Public Rela ons, a full-service firm specializing in LGBT outreach. Palm Springs is one of those des na ons that you never get red of. I'm not sure if it's the landscape, or the abundance of over-the-top gayness that makes the city truly magical. On my most recent vis- it to the desert gay mecca, I a ended Palm Springs Pride, an event headlined this year by TLC and Kris- ne W. This year was the largest pride celebra on in the city's history. I even had the opportunity to meet Palm Springs Mayor Robert Moon. First impressions are everything and I had forgo en how easy Palm Springs airport is to navigate. With- in minutes a er walking off the plane, you can be laying poolside at your hotel or shopping along the bou que and art gallery heavy Palm Canyon Drive. I was visi ng with my friend and fellow journalist Josh Rimer, who was named Mr. Gay Canada 2019. He and I met on a media trip in Phoenix/Tempe and have traveled to Columbus, Ohio together as well. Visi ng a des na on like Palm Springs is more fun if you travel with someone, unless you are an ex- treme extrovert, which neither Josh nor I are. Hav- ing traveled together in the past made this visit fun and enjoyable. A er checking in at Alcazar Palm Springs, we head- ed straight for the Opening Night Pride Party at Tri- na Turk, which was hosted by Brandon Libera and Craig Ramsay. The party drew a who's who of Palm Springs gli era . Every year, Trina Turk donates a por on of proceeds from items sold during the event back to the pride organiza on. Before heading out on the town, grab dinner a Trio, a staple in Palm Springs since 2009. In fact, the first me I visited the city almost a decade ago, I dined at Trio. Josh and I decided to share a few starters including the Coachella Valley Dates and Ahi Tuna Tower. We were both hesitant to order the dates as they are filled with blue cheese, which neither one of us are a big fan of, but they turned out to be de- licious. The blue cheese complimented the sweet- ness of the dates which simply melt in your mouth. Trio also hosts one of the best parade-viewing par- es in town, so if you come to pride in 2020, be sure to make a reserva on. Palm Springs nightlife is truly one of the best experi- ences in the country. There is a bar or club for every type of person, ensuring that whether you are LGBT or Q, you will fit in. Arenas Road has emerged as the epicenter of nightlife in the city with venues includ- ing Hunters, Chill Bar, Quadz, Stacy's, The Eagle and Palm Springs - Con't on page 6 PridE JournEys Palm sPrings, Ca By Joey Amato

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