He was also an entertainer with the community fundraising powerhouse drag troupe, Les Dames de Soleil, and he holds the prestigious position as the first Grand Marshal of the Palm Springs Pride Parade.
In 2006, AAP presented the Streetbar ArtWall Project committee with the annual Gloria Greene Inspiration Award, named after the organization’s founder and community activist Gloria Greene.ĭick dedicated his life, time and resources to the Palm Springs LGBTQ community, serving on the boards of the original Desert Gay Rodeo Association, Desert Business Association, Palm Springs Desert Gay Tourism Guild, Aids Assistance Program, and The Center. Other local artists are also invited to participate in the monthly show donating a percentage of sales to benefit AAP and other charities. The ArtWall Project was the brainchild of several of Streetbar’s artistic employees as a way to show and sell their own creative works. The wreath auction, now hosted by 849 Restaurant, sold wreaths created and donated by customers, local businesses and Streetbar staff. The organizations were beneficiaries of Streetbar’s two major fundraising events, the Holiday Wreath Auction and the ArtWall Project. In the thirty years since its opening, the staff and customers of Streetbar have raised funds for local charities, including Aids Assistance Program (AAP), LGBTQ Center of the Desert (The Center), and Palm Springs Animal Shelter. Streetbar continues its longstanding tradition of bringing community together with events. Civic minded Dick made Streetbar a community fundraising institution as well as the local gay watering hole. When Dick Haskamp and Hank Morgan, founders of Streetbar, opened on Arenas Road they paved the way for what is now the LGBTQ community business district. When it opened in August 1991, Streetbar was the first Gay bar in Palm Springs and is now the longest running LGBTQ bar in the Coachella Valley. This year, we are recognizing and celebrate the 30 th Anniversary of Streetbar, the first Gay Bar in Palm Springs.
We stand with Pride around the world we give a voice to the power of self-expression, inclusiveness, and love.Ĭommunity Grand Marshals are recognized for having a positive impact in the region through the many years of support they have provided to community organizations and fundraising efforts large and small. So, whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ community, a supportive ally, or someone who’s questioning where you fit into the spectrum, you are part of our diverse and vibrant community, and your place is here with us. That is why this year’s theme “You Are Included” means so much. Greater Palm Springs Pride creates moments of visibility for the LGBTQ community. Our visibility remains our greatest tool to push back against those who oppress us.
It is in the spirit of solidarity that we celebrate what it means to be a member of this beautiful community, to remember those we have lost, affirm our commitment in the fight for equality, and look toward the future and what it holds for LGBTQ people worldwide. Together, we honor the past and empower each other to live our authentic, truest selves. The 35 th Palm Springs Pride will once again gather in Palm Springs to educate, inspire, and commemorate our diverse community.
Greater Palm Springs Pride is back large, in charge and live. After the stress, uncertainty, and isolation of the pandemic, there is finally a bit of light at the end of the tunnel and a chance to finally come together.