Safe Schools | Desert Cities

06/15/2026

Grateful for the spotlight from The Desert Sun and for the partners who help us expand leadership, education, and advocacy opportunities for LGBTQ+ youth.

A recent grant from the Inland Empire Community Foundation will further help the youth as they consider broader education goals. See link below ⬇️

📸 Provided by Safe Schools Desert Cities

06/15/2026

Join us and Miss Patsi on Wednesday, June 17, from 5:00–8:00 PM at Tony’s Burgers in Cathedral City for an evening of great food, community, and support for Safe Schools Desert Cities!

We’re grateful to be this month’s beneficiary of Dinner With Patsi. Proceeds from the evening will help us continue empowering LGBTQ+ youth and building safer, more inclusive schools and communities across the Coachella Valley.

🍔 Hosted by Tony’s Burgers
📍 35903 Date Palm Dr., Cathedral City
📞 760-832-7794
⏰ 5:00–8:00 PM
✅ Walk-ins welcome; reservations recommended

Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item to support the Cathedral City Senior Center Food Bank.

Come enjoy a delicious meal, connect with community, and make a meaningful impact. We hope to see you there!

06/12/2026

On June 12, 2016, 49 lives were lost at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando.

Ten years later, we remember them. We honor their lives. We stand with those who continue to mourn.

At Safe Schools Desert Cities, their memory strengthens our resolve. We will continue working toward a world where LGBTQ+ youth are safe, supported, and celebrated—exactly as they are.

06/06/2026

FINAL CALL — the 2026 Camp starts in 4 days!

This is what Safe Schools Desert Cities’ LGBTQ+ Leadership & Empowerment Camp looks like.

We still have open spots for our FREE, 3-day mountain retreat (June 11–14) for LGBTQ+ youth and allies in grades 9–12.

Participants will experience:
- Leadership workshops
- Outdoor activities
- Community & connection
- A safe, affirming space to be themselves

Bus transportation from the Coachella Valley provided | All meals + lodging included | No cost to attend

Spots are limited and applications will close as soon as we’re full.

If you know a student who would benefit from this experience, please share this with them today.

Apply now: https://www.safeschoolsdc.org/event/summer-leadership-empowerment-camp-2026

06/01/2026

HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!
You matter.
You belong.
You are celebrated.
Safe Schools Desert Cities stands with LGBTQ+ youth and those who uplift them—today and always.

05/16/2026

Thank You for an Unforgettable Pride Prom! We’re so grateful for the incredible community that made this year’s Pride Prom such a joyful and affirming night for our LGBTQ+ students and their allied friends.

Thank you to our amazing board members and volunteers for your hard work, dedication, and late-night efforts to make it all happen—you are the heart behind this event.

Shoutout to our fabulous entertainers and partners:
💫 Bella Da Ball Brian Wanzek
💫 Mizz Kush
💫 Lorelei
💫 Matthew Hocutt (Olive Martini!)
🎧 DJ Alf Alpha
🍴 F10 Catering + Events

And deep appreciation to our generous sponsors & supporters:
Goldenvoice • Dinner With Patsi • Dance Ranch • Barry Manilow's A Gift of Love VII • Palm Springs Front Runners & Walkers • Barton CPA • The Gregory-Ornelas Family Living Trust • Tori St Johns • Ray Culver & Shawn Williams • Dana Dukelow • Riverside University Health System - Behavioral Health (TAY)

Because of you, our youth felt celebrated, seen, and supported.

04/26/2026

We’re excited to offer our free Leadership & Empowerment Camp, a three‑day retreat designed to help LGBTQ+ youth and allies build confidence, leadership skills, and community.

Open to 9th through 12th grade students, the camp takes place in the San Bernardino Mountains and includes workshops, outdoor activities, and guided discussions led by trained facilitators.

Free bus transportation from the Coachella Valley is provided.

Free for all participants.

Exact location shared with registered attendees.

Please share with students and school communities.

Register at https://www.safeschoolsdc.org/event/summer-leadership-empowerment-camp-2026

04/25/2026

Pride Prom 2026 is coming up — and we can’t wait to celebrate our LGBTQ+ youth and their allies! A night of music, dancing, performances, food, and joy, all in a safe and affirming space where students can be fully themselves.

Featuring DJ Alf Alpha and special guest performers.

Tickets are $20 per student.
Location: Coachella Valley (exact venue shared with registered attendees)

Join us for one of the most meaningful nights of the year.
Tickets at https://www.safeschoolsdc.org/event/pride-prom-2026

03/16/2026

Rainbow Youth Summit 2026 was a big success! We brought together incredible young people from across the Coachella Valley for a day of empowerment, celebration, and leadership. The Rainbow Youth Summit creates space for LGBTQ+ youth to grow their voices, build confidence, and discover their power as emerging leaders.

Our keynote speaker, Epiphany Kali, inspired all of us with a message of authenticity, courage, and possibility.

We were honored to close the program with amazing entertainment — thank you to Brian Wanzek, Sassy Ross, Marina Mac, Lorelei, vocalists Carol Kamenis and Matthew Hocutt, and DJ Alf Alpha for bringing so much joy and artistry to the summit.

Huge thanks to our participating organizations for their support with breakout sessions and and/or their presence:
• Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus
• The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert
• Free Mom Hugs - California
• Rainbow Pride Youth Alliance RPYA
• Transgender Health & Wellness Center
• DAP Health
• Dance Ranch
• Riverside University Health System - Behavioral Health
• Gay For Good - Palm Springs

A very special thank‑you to It Gets Better for generously supporting this year’s summit — your commitment helps us continue creating safe, affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ youth to learn and lead.

We’re also profoundly grateful to our hosts, the College of the Desert Pride Student Leaders, guided by the leadership of Cody and Giuseppe at the COD Pride Center. And to our volunteers and board members — your dedication makes this summit possible, year after year.

Together, we’re empowering the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders to rise, shine, and lead with pride!

01/19/2026

Dr. King taught us that love is the most powerful force for change. Let’s lead with kindness and compassion to create communities where everyone belongs.