Rainbow Youth Summit 2026: Empowering the Next Generation of LGBTQ+ Leaders
On March 14, 2026, Safe Schools Desert Cities welcomed nearly 200 LGBTQ+ students and GSA advisors from schools across the Coachella Valley and surrounding communities to this year’s Rainbow Youth Summit, hosted at College of the Desert. The Summit continues to grow each year, offering young people a safe, affirming space to build confidence, connect with one another, and explore their leadership potential.
The day began with a joyful and heartfelt performance by the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus, setting an uplifting tone that carried throughout the event. Our keynote speaker, Epiphany Kali, delivered a powerful message about embracing identity, knowing your worth, and becoming the change you want to see in the world. Her authenticity and energy resonated deeply with every young person in the room.
Throughout the day, students participated in a wide range of workshops on building resilience, creating healthy relationships, dance, arts and crafts, and more. These sessions were supported by incredible partner organizations whose presence and expertise helped make the Summit a rich, diverse experience.
We were honored to close the program with inspiring entertainment from Brian Wanzek, Sassy Ross, Marina Mac, Lorelei, vocalists Carol Kamenis and Matthew Hocutt, and DJ Alf Alpha, whose artistry and joy brought the day to a celebratory finish.
Our Deep Appreciation
Safe Schools Desert Cities extends heartfelt thanks to the many organizations that contributed workshops, resources, and support:
- Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus
- The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert
- Free Mom Hugs – California
- Rainbow Pride Youth Alliance
- Transgender Health & Wellness Center
- DAP Health
- Dance Ranch
- Riverside University Health System – Behavioral Health
A very special thank‑you goes to the It Gets Better Project for generously supporting this year’s Summit. Your investment helps us continue creating safe, empowering spaces for LGBTQ+ youth to learn, grow, and lead.
We are also profoundly grateful to our hosts, the College of the Desert Pride Student Leaders, guided by Cody and Giuseppe at the COD Pride Center, for providing such a welcoming home for our event.
And to our volunteers and Safe Schools Desert Cities board members — your dedication makes the Rainbow Youth Summit possible year after year. Together, we are uplifting and empowering the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders to rise, shine, and lead with pride.
GSA Advisor Luncheon Kicks Off the School Year with Connection and Purpose
On September 13, 2025, Safe Schools Desert Cities hosted its annual GSA Advisor Luncheon at the beautiful Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage. More than 40 educators, counselors, and school staff from across the Coachella Valley, the high desert, the Banning Pass, and surrounding communities gathered to reconnect, share ideas, and prepare for the year ahead.
This annual event is a cornerstone of SSDC’s commitment to supporting the dedicated adults who guide and uplift LGBTQ+ students through GSA clubs and campus initiatives. While students and advisors collaborate throughout the school year, the luncheon offers a unique opportunity for advisors to come together, build community, and align on shared goals before the academic year reaches full momentum.
Attendees enjoyed a delicious lunch, meaningful conversations, and updates on SSDC’s upcoming programs and events—including the Rainbow Youth Summit, Youth Zone at Pride, and the annual Awards Reception. As always, President Eric Ornelas led a round of introductions that sparked new connections and collaborations among schools.
The gathering also served as a reminder that the work of creating safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ youth is ongoing—and that no one does it alone. With deep appreciation for our advisors and excitement for the year ahead, SSDC is proud to continue this tradition of connection, support, and solidarity.
House Party Palm Springs: It’s a Mod Mod World
By Eric Ornelas, president, Safe Schools Desert Cities
The dazzling world of midcentury magic was on full display at “It’s A Mod Mod World,” hosted by the Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation (REAF) on October 5. This chic event was all about celebrating the vibrant 60s while raising essential funds for Safe Schools Desert Cities as part of the House Party PS series dedicated to supporting local charities.
The evening was led by the charismatic Emcee Ethylina Caane and set poolside at the beautifully remodeled midcentury modern home of Byron Hancock and Len Handeland in Palm Springs. Guests were treated to live musical performances by Sharon Sills, Charles Herrera, and Christine Nunez, a special fashion show by Seaplane Shirts, and delicious bites and beverages, all against the breathtaking backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains.
Attendees, many of whom embraced the spirit of the event by donning colorful 60s mod attire, paid $150 to join the festivities. They also had the chance to participate in auctions and raffles, with 100 percent of the proceeds directly benefiting Safe Schools Desert Cities.
Special thanks to event organizers Ken Henderson and Joe Seiler for their tireless efforts in supporting local charities, and for selecting Safe Schools Desert Cities as the event’s beneficiary.
REAF, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to raising funds for community programs through high-quality entertainment events. The proceeds from these gatherings are granted to selected local beneficiaries, focusing on HIV/AIDS services, hunger relief, and support for homeless and disenfranchised youth and seniors.
Remembering Woody
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Warren “Woody” Wood, a founder, tireless supporter, and cherished friend of Safe Schools Desert Cities. Woody’s husband, Doug Hairgrove, was a founder and past president of Safe Schools Desert Cities. A constant champion for our youth, Woody will be deeply missed. Woody is survived by his husband, Doug.
Reflections of a Safe Schools Kid
By Enrique Campos, Safe Schools Desert Cities board member
When I was a freshman in high school back in 2012, I attended my first Safe Schools Desert Cities (SSDC) event, Pride Prom, held at the Palm Springs Art Museum. It was there where I realized there was a world beyond my conservative desert town, that there were other LGBT kids who simply wanted a place to be themselves, feel safe, and work up the courage to dance in public. Today, I have the privilege of serving on the SSDC board of directors, ensuring that events such as Pride Prom, Leadership & Empowerment Camp, Rainbow Youth Summit, and the Youth Zone at Palm Springs Pride continue for the next generation of students.
My time with SSDC seems to have come full circle in that I was once an attendee at these events, marching in the Palm Springs Pride Parade, attending sessions at the Rainbow Youth Summit, and applying for SSDC scholarships, all of which were made possible by the amazing volunteers at SSDC, some of whom I have had the privilege of working with to this day.
Today, I get to make these events happen and create and protect the same safe space that I found myself in, and I get to do it for kids from all over the Coachella Valley and beyond. This work isn’t easy, SSDC is completely volunteer-run and has been since its inception. But every hour put in, every tabling event attended, every early morning parade prep, and every drop of sweat is worth it to see another young kid find their community and to know that we at SSDC are here for them, not just to make sure they feel safe at our events, but to give them the tools to advocate for themselves and their community long after high school.
Summer Camp – A Time for Fun and Bonding
By Tori St. Johns, SafeSchools Desert Cities board member and DSUSD title
John Burton and Ken May’s generosity to underwrite camp empowers the next generation of LGBTQ+ students, from Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, to build a strong sense of community and realize they are not alone.
Pride Leadership Camp creates a space for learning leadership skills and building a supportive network that transcends county lines. Students come from a variety of backgrounds, all bringing their unique perspectives to the camp. Participants attend workshops including team building activities, intersectionality, public speaking, and self-care. Workshops are led by experienced facilitators, including LGBTQ+ activists, educators, and mental health professionals.
Camp concludes with an amazing talent show where everyone participates. Feedback from the participants has been overwhelmingly positive. The need for LGBTQ+ youth programming is more important than ever. Safe Schools Desert Cities wants every young person to have the opportunity to lead and thrive. It was clear that the seeds of leadership, resilience, and community have been firmly planted in the hearts of all the participants. Together, these young LGBTQ+ leaders are going to create a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone.
Enormous thanks to John and Ken for their commitment to the next camp. Plans are underway for camp to be held in summer 2026. Additional information will be forthcoming.
“Allyship & Beyond,” a personal reflection
By Tori St. Johns, SafeSchools Desert Cities board member, DSUSD Student Assistance Program
It was truly inspiring to connect with so many passionate individuals dedicated to inclusivity and equity in our community at the recent Palm Springs Unified School District’s Third Annual Diversity and Racial Equity Conference – Allyship and Beyond. Safe Schools Desert Cities (SSDC) passed out over 250 backpacks, 300 rainbow sensory pads, scholarship information, and lots of candy. The highlight was having a young man, who attended Pride Camp, come over with his mother and share how attending the activities SSDC offers have saved his life. Angel’s story was powerful and it reinforced how important it is to continue providing a wide range of safe spaces and activities for LGBTQ+ youth.
Thank you Palm Springs Unified for the opportunity to be part of such an important free event, open to all members of the community. I look forward to continuing these conversations and working together toward our shared goals of diversity, inclusion and equity.
PSUSD’s “Allyship and Beyond” a Great Success
By Joan Boiko, Communications & Community Outreach Manager, Palm Springs Unified School District
It was a morning full of education, exploration and exchange for a group of about 400 educators, students, parents and community members who attended Palm Springs Unified School District’s (PSUSD) third annual Diversity and Racial Equity Conference.
Themed “Allyship and Beyond,” The September 7 event kicked off with breakfast, followed by a two-student moderated panel of seven students representing each of PSUSD’s high schools discussing various topics including equity among all races and cultures on campuses and how it can be improved.
Following the panel discussion, keynote speaker Dominic Smith, Ph.D. led an empowering session on creating school cultures that honor students and build their confidence and competence. Attendees left Smith’s session feeling inspired, motivated, and moved to elevate what all of us are doing to help our students thrive.
The first breakout sessions were led by PSUSD Conscious Education Trainers and Site Equity Leads and focused on defining and discussing allyship and challenging attendees to go beyond allyship by not only supporting marginalized peers and colleagues who are suffering the effects from discrimination, bullying and or exclusion but also taking proactive approaches to do something positive to make things better.
The final morning breakout sessions gave participants a choice of dynamic presentations on topics including Creating Comunidad between School and Latino Students, Interrupting Implicit Bias, Equitable Practices in the Classroom, Elevating African American Students. White Allyship, and Supporting LGBTQ Students and Families.
Between sessions, attendees had the opportunity to visit resource tables hosted by many community partners focused on improving the lives of children and building positive bridges. All were also invited to add their thumbprints to the Tree of Diversity now hanging in PSUSD’s Educational Services Department.
For more information about palm springs unified school district visit their website at www.psusd.us
“It’s A Mod Mod World” to benefit Safe Schools Desert Cities
A special fundraising party benefiting Safe Schools Desert Cities hosted by Bryon Hancock and Len Handeland at their beautiful mid-century modern home in Vista Las Palmas. Entertainment will be provided by the amazing chanteuse, SHARON SILLS, cabaret favorite CHARLES HERRERA, both of whom appear regularly at the Purple Room, and singer/actress CHRISTINE NUNEZ. Emcee for this party. The program will be emceed by hostess, comedian, columnist, actress, Tupperware Lady, ETHEYLINA.
Admission includes open bar, special passed appetizers, special entertainment, silent auction, raffle and other surprises. A mini fashion show will feature Seaplane shirts where attendees can purchase the shirts right off of the models.
Safe Schools Desert Cities empowers area Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex youth (LGBTQI+), their allies and GSA advisors and offers opportunities that foster a sense of community and individual growth by providing education, guidance, advocacy, resources, recreational activities and opportunities for self expression.
After 30 years of producing quality entertainments events in the San Francisco Bay Area, REAF expanded their programing in 2022 to the Palm Springs/Coachella Valley area to produce events benefiting local charities in the Coachella Valley. Bay Area events were primarily large-scale, Broadway-style concerts and cabaret shows including their flagship event, “HELP IS ON THE WAY” held each summer. REAF continue to produce these events in the SF Bay Area but also currently produce four annual “House Party PS” events where local homeowners open their homes to host these parties and REAF provides a theme, quality entertainment, bar, silent auction, raffle and other surprises. Since expanding to the Coachella Valley in 2022, REAF has distributed well over $200,000 to local charities who’s focus areas include hunger and nutrition programs, HIV services, and programs that serve and support homeless youth and underserved seniors.
For questions, contact Ken Henderson, REAF Executive Director at 415-264-0926 or .
Announcing the passing of Gloria Kapp
It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our vice president and dear friend, Gloria Kapp, who died last week of heart failure. Gloria joined the Safe Schools Desert Cities Board of Directors in 2016, after retiring from a forty-year career in higher education at the California State University locations in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and San Bernardino. In addition to her role as vice president, Gloria chaired the Awards and Scholarships Committee, utilizing her extensive experience to help countless numbers of students achieve academic success. Gloria lived a remarkable life of service. She was an inspiration and we will miss her deeply. We send sincere condolences to Gloria’s wife, Joan, her extended family, and to all who knew and loved her. May she rest in peace.
PO Box 1662
Palm Springs, CA 92263
Safe Schools Desert Cities Corp is a registered non‐profit 501(c)(3) public charity organization and contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.
