PALM SPRINGS, CA

With Palm Springs Pride approaching, a dispute over who may participate in the annual parade is raising questions about inclusion, political expression and organizers’ responsibilities. CODEPINK says its application to join the November 8 parade was rejected for a second consecutive year. The dispute has attracted attention because the theme of the 40th anniversary celebration is “Be Included.”

Why Was CODEPINK Rejected?

Greater Palm Springs Pride officials say entries must communicate a message centered on LGBTQ+ rights, culture or achievements. In a statement published by KESQ, Pride President and CEO Ron deHarte said organizers reviewed CODEPINK’s proposed entry and social media before determining that it did not satisfy the requirement. Organizers also cited safety concerns expressed by Jewish LGBTQ+ community members and supporters. The statement did not establish that CODEPINK had committed an act of violence or harassment.

CODEPINK Disputes the Decision

CODEPINK members argue that peace and Palestinian human-rights advocacy are compatible with LGBTQ+ equality. Volunteer Jane Dodd questioned why organizations addressing broader political issues may participate while CODEPINK was excluded. The organization says its 2025 application was initially approved and later reversed, with organizers citing deadline and capacity issues. CODEPINK shared records with KESQ that members said challenged those explanations. The Palm Springs Tribune has not independently reviewed those records.

Inclusion and Safety

The disagreement highlights a difficult question: How should organizers balance a parade’s specific LGBTQ+ mission with participants’ wider political causes? CODEPINK argues that civil-rights advocacy belongs at Pride. Organizers say an LGBTQ+-centered message is required and that they must consider attendees’ safety. Despite being denied an official parade entry, CODEPINK says it still intends to attend the Pride celebration on November 8. The organization has published an event page for November 8, signaling plans for supporters to show up. The precise gathering location, time and format could not be independently confirmed from the event page. Attending or gathering near the public celebration is not the same as being approved to march as an official parade contingent. Neither side’s position should be treated as representative of every Jewish or LGBTQ+ attendee.

Political Dimension

DeHarte is also a Palm Springs City Council member seeking another term in District 3 in the November 3 election. His opponent is Charles A. Brown, according to the city’s official candidate roster. DeHarte’s role with Greater Palm Springs Pride is separate from his elected office; the parade decision was not a City Council vote. Nevertheless, the timing puts the dispute in public view immediately before both the election and Pride weekend.

Celebration Begins Friday

The 40th anniversary celebration is scheduled November 6–8 with entertainment, vendors and events downtown and in the Arenas District. According to the official parade page, the procession begins Sunday, November 8, at 10 a.m., traveling south along Palm Canyon Drive from Tachevah Drive to Amado Road. The festival and parade are free to attend. No reversal of CODEPINK’s exclusion has been confirmed. The group’s stated plans to attend do not mean it has received parade-entry approval.

Also Read