If the daily onslaught of manic outpourings from The White House is not depressing enough, then the slowly unfolding news about the cancellation of some Gay Pride Events around the country really makes us feel unbelievably sad. It’s only halfway through January, and several Pride events and organizations have announced cancellations or closures for 2026, driven by financial struggles, lack of sponsorship, and a difficult political climate.

Annual Pride celebrations across the country have become a staple of their communities, and nearly 10% of American adults now identify as LGBTQ+. With big corporations eager to provide visible financial support to the LGBTQ+ community, these celebrations have become bigger, flashier, and emblazoned with company logos.

But last year, amid the Trump administration’s crackdown on diversity and equity efforts and a torrent of legislative attacks on the LGBTQ+ community, Pride organizers around the nation were facing a decline in sponsorships and visible corporate support.  Major closures so far include the 2026 Arlington Pride festival, the 2026 Tampa Pride parade, and the Spartanburg, etc., etc., and yesterday Tucson, a major festival,  sadly joined the list.  As we seem hopeless to see which others may be forced to shut up shop, it makes it even more important that we celebrate and support the many Prides that will make 2026 that much more queer.

One of these is the 1Oth Annual CATHEDRAL CITY LGBT DAYS in Southern California,  one of the first Pride Events in the year’s calendar.  It starts with the raising of the Pride Flag by the Mayor and City Council on Friday, March 6th and then the fun begins. There’s a Drag Race with a Lip Sync Challenge, Runway Look, the notorious “Wheel of Shade”. : entertainment with headliner DAVID ARCHULETA from American Idol Season 7 ; a 3km CommUNITY Strong Walk.  But our personal highlight is the BED RACE & PARADE is a signature event of Cathedral City LGBT Days. Teams of 5 decorate a bed on wheels (Bed supplied by City) and race for the trophy on Ave Lalo Guerrero in front of City Hall while thousands cheer them on.