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Desert AIDS Posts

Hope & Recovery Speaker Meeting

by Desert AIDS

Date: September 24, 2019

Time: 1-2:30 p.m.

Location: Desert AIDS Project Library

Hear two fabulous speakers from the Coachella Valley recovery community share their experience, strength, and hope. Lunch Provided.

An open invitation to hear two fabulous speakers from the Coachella Valley recovery community. Karen G. and Benjamin S. will be sharing their experience, strength, and hope followed by a question and answer session. Lunch will be provided. For questions regarding this event, contact Bill Bruner at [email protected] or (760) 992-0446.

Aging Positively – 4th Annual HIV  …

by Desert AIDS

Event Contact: JP Allen
(760) 992-0440
Desert AIDS Project
[email protected]

Press Contact: Jack Bunting
Desert AIDS Project
(760) 656-8472
[email protected]

When: Wednesday, September 18, 2019, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Joslyn Senior Center 73750 Catalina Way Palm Desert, CA 92260

Complimentary beverages, snacks and lunch provided.

Please RSVP your attendance to J.P. Allen phone: (760) 992-0440 or email: [email protected]. Please also RSVP for FREE Shuttle service from Desert AIDS Project Campus to/from Joslyn Senior Center as well as for ASL services. Thank you!

Palm Desert, CA — Aging Positively, the annual Coachella Valley conference aimed at providing practical information as well as inspiration for those aging with HIV, will explore Self-Care, Sexual Isolation, Loneliness and Medicare/Prescription Drug Coverage. And this year, the 4x Gold Medal Olympic Champion Greg Louganis will provide an uplifting and inspirational keynote address.

People with HIV are living longer lives, thanks to advancements in scientific research and medical treatments; about half of HIV positive individuals in the US are age 50 and above. This is in stark contrast to the days when Desert AIDS Project was founded (1984), when HIV was a death sentence.

Speaker line-up

  • Moderator: Brad Fuhr, California Oasis Marketing Group and Gay Desert Guide
  • Keynote: Olympic Champion Greg Louganis
  • “Own Your Future: Essential Conversations You Must Have Now” by LKAPS Social Committee Co-Chair Richard Bass and Dr. Brian De Vries, ProfessorEmeritus of Gerontology, SFSU.
  • “Sexual Isolation & Loneliness” by Jill Hingston, PhD, The LGBT Center Palm Springs
  • “Medicare & Prescription Drug Coverage” by Brian Bilhartz, Bilhartz Desert Insurance

About Greg Louganis

Greg Louganis is simply the greatest diver in history. You would be hard pressed to find a person who watched either the 1984 or 1988 Olympics who was not enthralled by the poetry that was Greg Louganis: the beauty and power of his diving captured the world. 2016 marked the 40th Anniversary of Greg’s first Olympic win- a silver medal at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, in platform diving, at the tender age of 16. Eight years later he became the first male diver to get double gold in springboard and platform in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, and again in the 1988 Seoul Olympics. He has earned a total of 5 Olympic medals, 5 World Championship titles and 47 national titles — more than any person in U.S. history. His records remain unbroken.

In 1988 Greg Louganis also tested positive for HIV. Coming out as a gay athlete in a time when it simply was not done, his 1995 autobiography, Breaking the Surface, spent five weeks at Number One on the New York Times bestseller list and his PGA and Emmy nominated Documentary Back on Board is receiving rave reviews nationwide and can now be seen on HBO. In 2016 General Mills announced that Greg would receive a Wheaties Box for his achievements, and that development was so significant it warranted a New York Times exclusive. He had the honor of being included in ESPN’s 2016 annual Body Issue, and in 2017 was the first openly gay Grand Marshal of The Rose Parade. In 2019, he continues to serve as Sports Director for Red Bull Cliff Diving, a division of Red Bull, one of the world’s best known brands.

The story of Greg’s life, is a story that has inspired millions, and he regularly speaks to the most significant organizations and companies in the world to share that story. Today, as a speaker, author, actor, activist, humanitarian and designer, he continues his tradition of excellence in every field he touches.

About The Aging Positively Conference

The Aging Positively Conference is conceived and sponsored by medical and service providers, researchers, community groups, and media groups from the Coachella Valley:

Borrego Health

Desert Arc

Desert AIDS Project

Desert Care Network

Desert Oasis Healthcare

Eisenhower Health

Gay Desert Guide

HIV + Aging Project – Palm Springs

Jewish Family Service of the Desert

Let’s Kick ASS Palm Springs (LKAPS)

PromoHomo.TV

The DOCK

The LGBTQ Community Center (AKA The Center)

The Joslyn Center

About Desert AIDS Project

Desert AIDS Project (D.A.P.) is a Federally Qualified Health Center in Palm Springs, CA offering D.A.P. Total Care – a combination of medical, dental, counseling, social services, support groups, alternative therapies, in-house pharmacy and lab, and other health and wellness services. D.A.P.’s sexual health clinic, The DOCK, offers STD testing and treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and free HIV and HCV testing. D.A.P.’s Get Tested Coachella Valley campaign, the nation’s first region-wide HIV testing and access to care initiative, was recognized by the White House for helping to bring about an AIDS-free future. D.A.P. is rated a “Top 20 HIV Charity” by About.com.

Visit www.desertaidsproject.org, www.thedockclinic.org, and www.gettestedcoachellavalley.org to learn more.

Desert AIDS Project earns “LGBTQ Healt …

by Desert AIDS

Nationwide 147 health care providers earned “Top Performer” designation in the Healthcare Equality Index

WASHINGTON — Desert AIDS Project announced its “LGBTQ Health Care Equality Top Performer” designation from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC). The designation was awarded in the 12th edition of HRC’s Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), released mid-month. A record 680 health care facilities actively participated in the HEI 2019 survey, with HRC Foundation proactively researching key policies at 1000 additional non-participating hospitals. Of those included in the HEI, 147 earned a “LGBTQ health care Equality Top Performer” designation.

“The fight for LGBTQ equality and access has come a long way, but not enough for us to be satisfied,” said DAP CEO David Brinkman. “DAP knows from experience that stigma prevents people from seeking medical care when they need it most.”

DAP started offering palliative care to people dying of AIDS 35 years ago. It evolved to offer medical, behavioral and holistic healthcare for people once HIV became treatable. Today DAP offers care to residents of the Coachella Valley regardless of HIV status. It also is active in LGBTQ advocacy.

“Our transgender and non-binary siblings throughout the Coachella Valley face extreme difficulty accessing competent and compassionate healthcare,” said Mr. Brinkman. “We see their struggle as our own, which is why we are humbled and thankful for this designation from HRC.”

HRC President Alphonso David raised concerns for LGBTQ protections at the national level.

“As the Trump-Pence administration continues to attack the most fundamental rights of LGBTQ people, including rolling back non-discrimination protections in the Affordable Care Act and promoting a license to discriminate in health care, it is more important than ever that health care institutions stand with the LGBTQ community,” said HRC President Alphonso David.

“The health care facilities that participate in HRC’s Healthcare Equality Index are making clear that they stand on the side of fairness and are committed to providing inclusive care to their LGBTQ patients. Going beyond inclusive non-discrimination policies, these health care facilities are adopting best practices in the areas of LGBTQ patient care and support, employee policies and benefits, and LGBTQ patient and community engagement. We commend all of the HEI participants for their commitment to providing inclusive care for all.”

The 12th edition of the HEI assesses participants on four criteria: Non-Discrimination and Staff Training, Patient Services and Support, Employee Benefits and Policies, and Patient and Community Engagement.

In the 2019 report, an impressive 406 facilities earned HRC’s “LGBTQ Health Care Equality Leader” designation,receiving the maximum score in each section and earning an overall score of 100. Another 148 facilities earned the “Top Performer” designation for scoring from 80 to 95 points. With 81% of participating facilities scoring 80 points or more, health care facilities are demonstrating concretely that they are going beyond the basics when it comes to adopting policies and practices in LGBTQ care.

The remarkable progress reflected in the 2019 HEI includes:

  • Over half of HEI participants now have written gender transition guidelines;
  • 75% of hospitals surveyed offer trans-inclusive benefits — an impressive eight percentage point increase over last year, and numbers that bring them on par with their corporate counterparts, as measured by HRC’s 2019 CEI;
  • A 35% increase in training hours recorded — clocking in at more than 94,000 hours of LGBTQ care training provided;
  • A 60% increase in the number of HEI participants whose electronic health records capture a patient’s sexual orientation, and a 40% increase in the number of HEI participants whose electronic health records capture a patient’s gender identity.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is education arm of America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

About Desert AIDS Project

Desert AIDS Project (DAP) is a Federally Qualified Health Center in Palm Springs, CA offering DAP Total Care – a combination of medical, dental, counseling, social services, support groups, complementary therapies, in-house pharmacy and lab, and other health and wellness services. DAP’s sexual health clinic, The DOCK, offers STD testing and treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and HIV and HCV testing. DAP’s Get Tested Coachella Valley campaign, the nation’s first region-wide free HIV testing and access to care initiative, was recognized by the White House for helping to bring about an AIDS-free future.  DAP has earned a “Four Star” rating from Charity Navigator for the sixth consecutive year – landing DAP in the top 6% of nonprofits rated. The distinction recognizes that we exceed industry standards in terms of our financial health, accountability, and transparency.

Visit www.desertaidsproject.org, www.thedockclinic.org, and www.gettestedcoachellavalley.org to learn more.

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Dining Out for Life Coachella Valley 201 …

by Desert AIDS

A powerful story about the impact of a community in action

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Steven Henke

[email protected]

(760)656-8401

Palm Springs, CA – Eighty-three local restaurants, bars, bakeries and coffee shops participated in Dining Out for Life on April 25 donating 33% or more of their food, beverage, and liquor gross sales to support Desert AIDS Project. Setting a record this year, fifteen participants donated 50% or more. The local event, which raised $307,000, was part of the larger Dining Out for Life program which occurs on the last Thursday of April each year.  In 2019, there were 49 Dining Out For Life events throughout North America. 2,459 restaurants participated, and with the support of 4,000 volunteers and 400,000 diners, more than $4 million was raised to support local HIV services.

Harold Matzner donated 100% of Spencer’s gross revenue in honor of his friend, Barbara Keller who championed the mission of DAP and for whom DAP’s main building will be renamed ‘The Barbara Keller LOVE Building’.  Matzner’s restaurant was the top fundraising location in North America for the second year in a row joined by Lulu California Bistro and Trio Restaurant as the top three fundraising locations.  Jointly, the three locations raised over $74,000.

Locally, the event generates great community pride of place.  Greater Palm Springs raised more funds than cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington DC, and San Francisco.   “This is a powerful story about the impact of generous restaurants and our local community.” Said Desert AIDS Project’s Chief Development Officer, Darrel Tucci who credits the generosity of Great Palm Springs business owners for raising a record amount this year for client services at Desert AIDS Project (DAP).  “Palm Springs is the smallest participating market, but because of their commitment to DAP, we were second in overall fundraising again this year.  No other market can boast the level of commitment shown in Greater Palm Springs.”

Beyond fundraising to support DAP’s clients and services, the event generates community awareness of HIV/AIDS and supports Desert AIDS Project’s mission to enhance health and well-being of its community. Desert AIDS Project provides compassionate care for 6,500 patients and clients.  Desert AIDS Project’s goal and specialty is helping people achieve overall health. DAP is in the midst of a capital campaign, D.A.P. Vision 2020, which when fully funded, will enable it to double the number of patients and clients served.  Desert AIDS Project CEO, David Brinkman explains why the expansion is so important.  “There are 27,000 transgender individuals in our service area that need culturally competent care.  40,000 low income residents near DAP are still without healthcare and our neighbors facing a mental health crisis often wait weeks or months for an appointment.  Treatment for addiction, is often out of reach and affordable housing is almost non-existent in Palm Springs.  The future of DAP is humanitarian, moving individuals into care and onward toward a life of wellness.

Brinkman reflected on the impact of Dining Out for Life Greater Palm Springs. “Few other events bring DAP closer to our tap root of community action. DAP was founded on unconditional love and guided by community members who defined and funded solutions to help those in need. I hope the community shares our great sense of pride in being home to the top three fundraising restaurants in North America for the third year in a row.”  Over 10,000 residents ‘made one meal matter’ at participating locations throughout the day sporting their ‘I Dined’ badges of honor. 

Sponsors of Dining Out for Life Greater Palm Springs included Sysco Riverside, Nonstop Wellness, NBC Palm Springs, The Desert Sun, CV Independent, Standard Magazine, Gay Desert Guide.  The date for Dining Out for Life Greater Palm Springs 2020 is Thursday, April 26.

Dining Out for Life Greater Palm Springs

Donated 100%

Donated 69%

Donated 60%

Donated 50%

Donated 33%

About Desert AIDS Project

Desert AIDS Project (D.A.P.) is a Federally Qualified Health Center in Palm Springs, CA offering D.A.P. Total Care – a combination of medical, dental, counseling, social services, support groups, alternative therapies, in-house pharmacy and lab, and other health and wellness services.  D.A.P.’s sexual health clinic, The DOCK, offers STD testing and treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and HIV and HCV testing. D.A.P.’s Get Tested Coachella Valley campaign, the nation’s first region-wide free HIV testing and access to care initiative, was recognized by the White House for helping to bring about an AIDS-free future.  D.A.P. has earned a “Four Star” rating from Charity Navigator for the sixth consecutive year – landing D.A.P. in the top 6% of nonprofits rated. The distinction recognizes that we exceed industry standards in terms of our financial health, accountability,  and transparency. Visit www.desertaidsproject.org, www.thedockclinic.org, and www.gettestedcoachellavalley.org to learn more.

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Desert AIDS Project is 2019 California N …

by Desert AIDS

Contact: Jack Bunting
[email protected]
(760) 656-8472

Palm Springs, CA (June 5, 2019) – Desert AIDS Project (DAP) is proud to announce that it has been selected as a 2019 California Nonprofit of the Year by California State Senator Jeff Stone, serving the 28th district.

Carl Baker, director of legal and legislative affairs, and Zayda Weldon, director of social services, will join with one hundred other nonprofit leaders being honored by their state senators and assembly members during a celebration luncheon as part of California Nonprofits Day today in Sacramento.

DAP is a federally qualified health center in Palm Springs, CA that has been nurturing the community since 1984. Founded with love and compassion during the worst years of the AIDS crisis, DAP has created a roadmap for offering competent care to all members of the community, regardless of HIV status.

Approximately 6,500 Coachella Valley residents are receiving primary, dental and behavioral healthcare today, in addition to other vital services. That number will almost double, as the organization is in the midst of its largest expansion ever. To find out more, please visit: dapvision2020.org.

“Nonprofits are often hidden in plain sight,” explains Jan Masaoka, CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits). “California Nonprofits Day is an opportunity for our elected officials to celebrate the good work they see nonprofits doing in their districts, and for everyone to appreciate the collective impact of nonprofits in our communities.”

Additional Background

California Nonprofits Day, now in its fourth year, was formally recognized by Assembly Concurrent Resolution 62, authored by the chair of the Assembly Select Committee on the Nonprofit Sector, Assemblywoman Monique Limón (Santa Barbara), who will speak at the celebration luncheon. Senator Holly Mitchell will keynote the luncheon. The day is organized by Assemblymember Limón and CalNonprofits.

According to “Causes Count,” a 2016 report commissioned by CalNonprofits, the nonprofit sector is the 4th largest industry in the state, employing nearly one million people. Each year, California nonprofits generate over $200 billion in revenue and bring in $40 billion in revenue from outside of California. The unpaid labor contributed by volunteers at nonprofits is equivalent to 450,000 full-time jobs every year.

More About Desert AIDS Project
Desert AIDS Project (DAP) is a Federally Qualified Health Center in Palm Springs, CA offering DAP Total Care – a combination of medical, dental, counseling, social services, support groups, alternative therapies, in-house pharmacy and lab, and other health and wellness services. DAP’s sexual health clinic, The DOCK, offers STD testing and treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and HIV and HCV testing. DAP’s Get Tested Coachella Valley campaign, the nation’s first region-wide free HIV testing and access to care initiative, was recognized by the White House for helping to bring about an AIDS-free future. DAP has earned a “Four Star” rating from Charity Navigator for the sixth consecutive year – landing DAP in the top 6% of nonprofits rated. The distinction recognizes that we exceed industry standards in terms of our financial health, accountability, and transparency. Visit www.desertaidsproject.org, www.thedockclinic.org, and www.gettestedcoachellavalley.org to learn more.

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Welcome to the New DAP.org!

by Desert AIDS

You may have noticed some changes. That's because we've updated the site with new design, new features, and new content. We hope you like what you see, and easily find the information you are looking for.

If you want to know what services we provide at DAP, visit the Health Services section. Do you want to take action and make a change in your community? You can Support Our Mission by making a donation, becoming a volunteer or even shopping at one of the many Revivals stores in the area. Looking for some help with a specific issue? Take a look in the Frequently Asked Questions. Can't find what you're looking for? Let us know and we'll be sure to make it easier to find the next time around.

By the way, did we mention it's also mobile friendly? Now you can access the DAP website across all major devices.

MyChart Users – Important Information

by Desert AIDS
Desert AIDS Project (DAP) has transitioned from “OCHIN” to a Desert AIDS Project MyChart log-in page.
 
What do I need to do?
 
1. Switch from the OCHIN MyChart selection on your phone application to the new Desert AIDS Project MyChart selection
 
2. If using MyChart from a PC / Device, update any saved URL (web address) to this new URL (web address): https://mychart.ochin.org/mychartdap/
 
Call 760-323-2118, ext 711 and ask for Albert or Curtis if you have trouble with your username or password or if you have questions about the new MyChart.

RAP Foundation Grant Strengthens D.A.P. …

by Desert AIDS

Contact:
Sanctuary Palm Springs
Tim O’Bayley
[email protected]
(760) 788-3525

Desert AIDS Project
Jack Bunting
[email protected]
(760) 656-8472

Palm Springs, CA – (May 13, 2019) Desert AIDS Project (D.A.P.) and LGBT Sanctuary Palm Springs (Sanctuary) have received a $25,000 grant from The Regional Access Project (RAP) Foundation in Palm Desert. This funding will fortify the collaboration between Sanctuary and D.A.P. to provide care and services for vulnerable LGBT transitional-aged youth (TAY) placed in Sanctuary’s extended foster care program for TAY ages 18-21.

This collaboration will ensure that Sanctuary residents are referred for and obtain continuous access to health care, behavioral health care, medications, and other supportive services, mitigating the high risk of poor health outcomes among LGBT TAY. Sanctuary provides single home residential placement, case management and services to assist LGBT TAY to transition to independent living.

“We are so thankful for this much needed support,” said Rob Woronoff, Sanctuary Executive Director. “The RAP Foundation has made a huge difference in our work to ensure these vibrant young people have the resources and support they need to live healthy and happy lives once they leave foster care.”

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with D.A.P. where our residents receive the expert healthcare that all young people deserve,” Woronoff said.

TAY is a specialized area of foster care under the California Fostering Connections to Success Act (AB 12). This legislation provided a continuum of support for transitional aged youth while they begin their journey to independence. To be eligible for extended foster care, youth must be working or in school, or both.

LGBT youth in foster care are subject to bias, discrimination, rejection and bullying as a result of their LGBT status, compounding their exposure to trauma. They are less likely than their straight peers to find a permanent home and are especially vulnerable to abuse even within the child welfare system that is supposed to protect them.

“Working with Sanctuary as it breaks barriers to bridge foster youth to independent living as adults is in line with our mission,” said David Brinkman, CEO. “This gift from the RAP Foundation will make a huge difference in our work to address the unmet needs of this vulnerable population.”

D.A.P. has been providing residents of Sanctuary with healthcare, behavioral healthcare, clinic case management, HIV/STI prevention education, support groups, job placement and transportation to D.A.P. for services since spring 2018.

About Sanctuary Palm Springs
Sanctuary Palm Springs (SPS) is a Transitional Housing Program specifically designed to meet the needs of the LGBTQ community of foster youth transitioning to adulthood. If you are 18 – 21 and are – or have been in – foster care and you would like to have a safe, welcoming home in which to successfully transition to adulthood, Sanctuary Palm Springs is the place for you.

Call us today to begin the application process at (760)766-3500. If you know someone who needs the additional support available through the THP+FC program, please share this site with them.

To find out more about Sanctuary Palm Springs, visit www.facebook.com/LGBTSanctuaryPalmSprings, www.twitter.com/sanctuaryps, and www.sanctuarypalmsprings.org to learn more.

About Desert AIDS Project
Desert AIDS Project (D.A.P.) is a Federally Qualified Health Center in Palm Springs, CA offering D.A.P. Total Care – a combination of medical, dental, counseling, social services, support groups, alternative therapies, in-house pharmacy and lab, and other health and wellness services. D.A.P.’s sexual health clinic, The DOCK, offers STD testing and treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and HIV and HCV testing. D.A.P.’s Get Tested Coachella Valley campaign, the nation’s first region-wide free HIV testing and access to care initiative, was recognized by the White House for helping to bring about an AIDS-free future. D.A.P. has earned a “Four Star” rating from Charity Navigator for the sixth consecutive year – landing D.A.P. in the top 6% of nonprofits rated. The distinction recognizes that we exceed industry standards in terms of our financial health, accountability, and transparency. Visit www.desertaidsproject.org, www.thedockclinic.org, and www.gettestedcoachellavalley.org to learn more.

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Queen of the Desert 2019

by Desert AIDS

In the LGBTQ community, drag queens have a long history of saying yes to hosting, performing and fundraising – often at their own expense, and always with a firm commitment to social equality and compassionate care. 

GET TICKETS HERE!

On May 31, five drag queens will continue that tradition by competing for the title of “Queen of the Desert”, decided by a panel of local celebrities.

You won’t want to miss this year’s drag realness. This event sells out fast every year.

Remember, all proceeds benefit client services at Desert AIDS Project, so sashay your way and buy your tickets now.  This year’s lineup and judges to be announced in the coming weeks.

Doors open at 6pm for advance seating.  Show starts at 7pm.  Visit the bar and concessions beforehand.

GET TICKETS HERE!

Meet the Contestants!

Sheena Wolfe

Local girl Sheena Wolfe is 29 years old. She is single and ready to find that special someone, to hold her purse, buy her food and tell her she’s pretty. Some of Sheena’s favorite quotes are “I said what I said,”  “No I’m not mad, that’s just my face,” and “Can I get a 20 piece chicken nuggets?” Sheena has been entertaining audiences for 3 years and loves every second of it.

She is passionate about her drag, from her lip sync to her looks and is always ready to turn it out. I want to be able to inspire people to be themselves without being afraid, that no matter what people may think or say about you it’s ok to be different and weird and that things will always get better even when it doesn’t seem like it. The work that The Desert AIDS Project is doing by giving our community a place to go where we can get help, feel safe and be accepted with no judgement is beyond amazing. Being able to help raise money so that The Desert AIDS Project can continue to change lives is the reason I am doing this competition.

Click here to support SHEENA WOLFE

Sadie Ladie

Sadie Ladie was born in 1914. Wait. No! …2014 in San Francisco.  Sadie blossomed and flourished as she was inspired into her Queendom as a performer through her charitable work within the realm of the non-profit organization – The Imperial Court of San Francisco. Drag or not, Sadie has always had a kind and caring heart for the community and the world, trying to

leave a legacy of making an impact and difference in the world.  Sadie has dedicated countless hours of volunteerism in raising funds for organizations but has also mentored and guided up-and-coming drag queens to join and make a difference in OUR world.  She is honored to be a contestant tonight and will continue to make a difference here in Palm Springs.  THIS lady is committed, determined and grateful for the opportunity to serve this community as Sadie Ladie.

Click here to support SADIE LADIE

Angelique VaGorgeous

I am a full time drag queen, making wigs, costumes and managing the entertainment at CHILL BAR. I can turn trash into treasure. Coming from a background that was not blessed with financial stability, I would have to get crafty. I would rip apart old sleeping bags and tie them around my waist to make a gown and feel my fantasy!

The Desert AIDS Project means everything to me, and our community. It gives a safe, professional environment to get tested, regardless of having insurance; no one is ever turned away. Many of us are afraid to know the truth, but we owe it to ourselves to get tested and promote safe sex. Let’s prove everyone wrong.

 
Click here to support ANGELIQUE VAGORGEOUS

Anya Camins

I have been a full time drag entertainer, and now produce drag shows and events at CHILL BAR with my husband Jacob/Tiffany. I’ve participated in pageants in the past and still yet to win a crown, but hopefully I will this year at Queen Of The Desert!  We’ve brought community involvement to CHILL BAR, working with organizations such as The LGBT Community Center of the Desert,

The Desert AIDS Project, Palm Springs Animal Shelter, Palm Springs Rodeo and others. Enhancing and promoting the health and well-being of our community means each and every one of us as a member of our LGBT community should take pride and responsibility in sharing our knowledge, experiences and educating whether through creating events as entertainers and producers or coming out to support these events as community members and advocates. I am excited to be a part of the The Desert AIDS Project for this honorable event.

Click here to support ANYA CAMINS

Kourtanay Caliente

I’ve been doing drag for a little over 10 years. I’ve met such amazing and talented people. I’ve gone from looking like a rugby player wearing a dress to a true “Lady of The Stage.” I truly want to educate people on how amazingly similar our lives are. I want LGBTQIA+ people to feel safe in their everyday lives and educate our allies in helping protect the bonds we’ve created not only as allies but as human beings.

I want to stamp LOVE and UNITY within our own community. The Desert AIDS Project means creating a sense of sanity in a situation of chaos. It means being selfless, kind, and offering a helping heart.

Click here to support KOURTANAY CALIENTE

Passing of Barbara Keller

by Desert AIDS

Desert AIDS Project is saddened to learn of the passing of its brightest and most compassionate guiding light, Barbara Keller.

Barbara Keller made an enormous impact at Desert AIDS Project where she served as a board member for 10 years, four years as Board Chair, and co-chaired the Steve Chase gala for 7 years – during which time she gave and helped raise more than $10 million for Desert AIDS Project client services and Get Tested Coachella Valley.  She was driven by the comprehensive and compassionate care available at D.A.P., because it saves lives, and was especially supportive of the staff and leadership team of the organization, led by her friend David Brinkman.  Brinkman sent a note to the staff of D.A.P this morning:

“This morning we lost our one and only Barbara Keller.  The love she brought to the Desert AIDS Project family changed us forever.   She had been our board’s leader, the Steve Chase’s chief and our clients and mission’s ultimate champion.  Words fail to express the gratitude I have for having been the recipient of her friendship, love, and mentorship.  Barbara Keller = humanitarian.”

Barbara will be remembered as the strong and strategic voice of fairness and compassion for the most vulnerable in our valley. She and her husband Jerry Keller, supported over 30 different charities and non-profit organizations and served on four valley boards, including Desert AIDS Project, The Palm Springs Art Museum, Coachella Valley Repertory Theater and the Israel Cancer Research Fund.

She worked on One Night Only, an annual fundraiser for Jewish Family Services, since its beginning with Michael Childers, and worked with the Sunshine Circle, an organization that connects Jewish teenagers with local Holocaust Survivors.  She fought for Civil Rights and Women’s Rights and was a supporter of Equality California, an organization that honored her in 2017.  She and EQCA aligned in the belief that none of us is equal unless all of us are equal.

In addition to her generosity and limitless compassion, Barbara brought her business experience to bear for the organizations she supported. Before moving to the desert, she was a theatre director and producer in New York and worked as a business agent for film industry script supervisors in Manhattan.  She served on the board of the North Shore Community Arts Center for eight years. She also published several books including Film, Tape and TV: Where Do I Fit In? and Orgasmic Days in the South of France, a personal guide to the Cote d’ Azur.

The performing arts remained an important part of her life as she supported the Annenberg Theatre at the Palm Springs Art Museum, The McCallum Theatre, where she served on the Board of Trustees, and several local theater companies.  She was once quoted as saying, “Art transcends all boundaries.  It brings imagination to life and gives life to imagination.” Barbara believed that she got more from her philanthropic work than she gave because the work she devoted herself to gave she and her husband Jerry the life they enjoyed together.

In addition to countless awards honoring her philanthropy, Barbara received an Association of Fundraising Professionals Volunteer of the Year and a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, located in front of her beloved LuLu California Bistro, for her work as a humanitarian.  Barbara believed that we all need to have a purpose in our lives and that it could be found in community service through the impact of contribution…the power of philanthropy.

Desert AIDS Project will be working with Barbara’s family to honor her legacy.  Before we learned of her passing, it had already been decided that a special Everyday Heroes award, honoring women, would bear her name.

Video Tribute to Barbara Keller Shown at 2017 Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa949wbDgxY&t=48s