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Last Updated: May 22, 2009 - 10:25:28 AM
Here comes the Pride
By Daniel A. Kusner - Life+Style Editor
Jun 26, 2008 - 3:37:46 PM
California, here we come — to get legally hitched and honeymoon
PALM SPRINGS, CALIF. — Friends fastened boutonnieres and fixed the betrotheds’ hair. Brides wore matching corsages or held identical bouquets. Instead of handfuls of rice — bubble wands.
“David and Joseph? You’re next!” Equality California volunteer Ted Jackson shouts over the heads of same-sex couples hovering around the check-in table.
Two smiling 50-something gentlemen wearing matching Hawaiian tealeaf leis hold each other’s hand as they enter the Enchanted Garden Wedding Chapel. Their faces beam with pride as they walk beneath the chapel’s brick archway. After a private 20-minute ceremony, they pass beneath the same archway as lawfully wedded husbands — or “spouses,” “partners” or “honeys,” or whatever they want to call themselves.
David Kelly and Joseph Coker were one of an estimated 40 gay and lesbian couples who got married last Saturday at the first annual Palm Springs Marriage Celebration.
About 500 supporters — and not a single protester! — showed up for the event, which was held at the La Plaza community center, an adorable shopping district not unlike Highland Park Village.
The boutique sidewalks and parking lot were transformed into an outdoor reception hall where local merchants banded together to provide a setting worthy of such a historical and beautiful occasion. A pastry company served red velvet wedding cake with rainbow frosting. A DJ spun “Love Shack” and Kool & the Gang’s “Celebration.” Instead of a toastmaster, comedian Shann Carr served as emcee and introduced couples who just tied the knot.
“Terri and Janice met 16 years ago — where else? — on the basketball court. And Terri says they are registered at all major gas stations,” Carr tells the crowd.
Most of the couples had only been engaged for a month or less: On May 15, the state’s Supreme Court’s ruling legalized same-sex marriage. And that announcement had gays and lesbians rushing to the altar. Because of such short notice, many out-of-town relatives were unable to attend these California ceremonies.
Phylis and Mary Lemberg-Blackman wore matching blue shirts and garter belts. They read the same vows they exchanged at their commitment ceremony 12 years ago. And because Phylis is Jewish, she followed the tradition of breaking a wedding glass.
With its impeccable cleanliness, small-town vibe and preservation of mid-century modern design, Palm Springs is like a gay version Mayberry, the fictitious setting of “The Andy Griffith Show.” Arguably gayer than San Francisco, Palm Springs even has a gay mayor, the undeniably handsome Steve Pougnet, who just last week married Dallas couple Patrick Vincent and Steven Schipper.
“I try to fulfill any couple who requests that I officiate at their wedding,” Pougnet says.
A same-sex couple from Texas can certainly head to the Golden State to validate their relationship. But even at the mass wedding celebration in Palm Springs, almost all of the couples had been together 10, 20 even 40 years. And as Dallas attorney Rebecca Covell points out, our state’s constitutional amendment bans the recognition of same-sex marriages.
“California’s supreme court decision is a huge symbolic victory. And for Texans, marrying out there is just that, symbolic. Texas couples will return to Texas as single people,” Covell says.
There are no residency requirements to get married in California. With that in mind, “You are marrying forever because you can’t get divorced in Texas,” Covell explains. “Due to their residency requirements, you would have to live in California, not just fly out there, to get divorced.”
But a phenomenal number of legally hitched gay couples make an incredible statement. And adding out-of-state support to California could dramatically change America’s hearts and minds about the freedom to marry.
Getting hitched
You’ll first need to apply for a marriage license. And in Palm Springs, that means both partners must go to a county clerk’s office with a photo ID and cash, check or money order for the license fee ($83) and ceremony if desired. You do not need an appointment.
The license is only good for 90 days. And for the marriage ceremonies ($40), you will need an appointment. Judges, court commissioners, civil marriage commissioners, magistrates, priests, ministers and rabbis can officiate weddings. Keep in mind that the Riverside county clerk’s recorder office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Desert honeymoon
Palm Springs is scorching hot. Last week, temperatures hit 117 degrees. But it’s a sublime weekend getaway. And now that airlines are charging for checked bags, you won’t need a huge wardrobe — even for a wedding. At last week’s ceremony, it was unusual to see any couples wearing full-length pants. Flip-flops were the choice footwear for connubial bliss.
You’ll definitely need a rental car. While searching for flights, also consider Ontario International Airport, which is only about 60 miles west of Palm Springs. Los Angeles airports are about a two-hour drive.
There are 130 hotels in Palm Springs, and no shortage of gay resorts. I recently stayed at the Triangle Inn, a clothing optional resort for men. The 1950s property was casual, relaxing and surprisingly tasteful. Gentlemen, refrain from clutching your pearls at the thought of nude resort. The Triangle Inn isn’t a skeevy bathhouse disguised as a hotel. In fact, this resort does not sell day passes. Guests can relax at the foot of the San Bernardino Mountains while enjoying the luxury of privacy beneath misters while soaking up the sun, cooling off in the pool or relaxing in the Jacuzzi.
My one-bedroom suite ($169)was enormous: a living room, dining room, full kitchen, bathroom and private bedroom. The WiFi was included, and the mattress was one of the most comfortable hotel beds I’ve ever slept on. Michael and Stephen, the Triangle’s gracious hosts, do a terrific job at making guests feel like they’re having a genuine experience that only locals can provide.
Sightseeing activities abound — even in the oppressive heat. Even today, Palm Springs is where Hollywood relaxes. Gay guide Robert Imber runs PS Modern Tours, where Imber teaches you how to operate Segway transporters and everyone drives around the Las Palmas district to see the old vacation homes of Liberace, Clark Gable and Carol Lombard, Vivian Leigh and Lawrence Oliver and even the “Lily Pad,” Lily Tomlin’s neo-modern retreat.
Speaking of Hollywood stars — an adorable must-see is the Silver Scissors “Barbra Shop,” a hair salon with a gallery that worships La Streisand that’s tucked inside a downtown boutique strip on North Canyon Drive.
One thousand years ago — before all those golf courses teed up in Palm Springs — the Agua Caliente band of Cahuilla Indians settled the area. They knew how great it felt to soak in the natural hot springs. You can enjoy the experience as well. The Spa Resort Casino has a “taking of the waters” mineral bath ($40; $25 with purchase of a facial) where you can steam, sauna and soak in a private tub then relax in a tranquility room. The hour-long experience is a remarkable natural high.
You can escape the heat, too. About a 10-minute drive from downtown Palm Springs, you can be whisked to the top of Mount San Jacinto in a rotating aerial tramway ($21) and go hiking — where it’s about 25-40 degrees cooler.
In an earlier visit to Palm Springs, I was unable to solicit good dining suggestions from other tourists. This last trip, I found a terrific one: the gay-owned Café Amuse on Tahquitz Canyon Way. The cuisine is a blend of south of France with Southern California. They craft an incredible Andalusian sandwich with paquillo peppers, manchego cheese, grilled eggplant, zucchini and fennel on ciabata. The salads are pretty divine as well.
The Palm Springs nightlife is hopping. Hunter’s is a dance bar where the boys sometimes go shirtless. Toucan’s does a great Sunday night cabaret with an endless parade of drag cabaret. For a casual “jeans and flip-flops” version of S/M, check out the frisky Toolshed, a relaxed pub where it’s easy to meet friendly locals and the music isn’t overbearingly loud.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition June 27, 2008.
 |
| KISS THE BRIDES: Mary, left, and Phylis Lemberg-Blackman seal their union and enter lawfully wedded bliss at the Enchanted Garden Wedding Chapel in Palm Springs last Saturday. Photo by Maile Klein. |
PALM SPRINGS, CALIF. — Friends fastened boutonnieres and fixed the betrotheds’ hair. Brides wore matching corsages or held identical bouquets. Instead of handfuls of rice — bubble wands.
“David and Joseph? You’re next!” Equality California volunteer Ted Jackson shouts over the heads of same-sex couples hovering around the check-in table.
Two smiling 50-something gentlemen wearing matching Hawaiian tealeaf leis hold each other’s hand as they enter the Enchanted Garden Wedding Chapel. Their faces beam with pride as they walk beneath the chapel’s brick archway. After a private 20-minute ceremony, they pass beneath the same archway as lawfully wedded husbands — or “spouses,” “partners” or “honeys,” or whatever they want to call themselves.
David Kelly and Joseph Coker were one of an estimated 40 gay and lesbian couples who got married last Saturday at the first annual Palm Springs Marriage Celebration.
About 500 supporters — and not a single protester! — showed up for the event, which was held at the La Plaza community center, an adorable shopping district not unlike Highland Park Village.
The boutique sidewalks and parking lot were transformed into an outdoor reception hall where local merchants banded together to provide a setting worthy of such a historical and beautiful occasion. A pastry company served red velvet wedding cake with rainbow frosting. A DJ spun “Love Shack” and Kool & the Gang’s “Celebration.” Instead of a toastmaster, comedian Shann Carr served as emcee and introduced couples who just tied the knot.
“Terri and Janice met 16 years ago — where else? — on the basketball court. And Terri says they are registered at all major gas stations,” Carr tells the crowd.
Most of the couples had only been engaged for a month or less: On May 15, the state’s Supreme Court’s ruling legalized same-sex marriage. And that announcement had gays and lesbians rushing to the altar. Because of such short notice, many out-of-town relatives were unable to attend these California ceremonies.
Phylis and Mary Lemberg-Blackman wore matching blue shirts and garter belts. They read the same vows they exchanged at their commitment ceremony 12 years ago. And because Phylis is Jewish, she followed the tradition of breaking a wedding glass.
With its impeccable cleanliness, small-town vibe and preservation of mid-century modern design, Palm Springs is like a gay version Mayberry, the fictitious setting of “The Andy Griffith Show.” Arguably gayer than San Francisco, Palm Springs even has a gay mayor, the undeniably handsome Steve Pougnet, who just last week married Dallas couple Patrick Vincent and Steven Schipper.
 |
| COOL OPTION: The Triangle Inn is a sublime clothing-optional resort for men. |
“I try to fulfill any couple who requests that I officiate at their wedding,” Pougnet says.
A same-sex couple from Texas can certainly head to the Golden State to validate their relationship. But even at the mass wedding celebration in Palm Springs, almost all of the couples had been together 10, 20 even 40 years. And as Dallas attorney Rebecca Covell points out, our state’s constitutional amendment bans the recognition of same-sex marriages.
“California’s supreme court decision is a huge symbolic victory. And for Texans, marrying out there is just that, symbolic. Texas couples will return to Texas as single people,” Covell says.
There are no residency requirements to get married in California. With that in mind, “You are marrying forever because you can’t get divorced in Texas,” Covell explains. “Due to their residency requirements, you would have to live in California, not just fly out there, to get divorced.”
But a phenomenal number of legally hitched gay couples make an incredible statement. And adding out-of-state support to California could dramatically change America’s hearts and minds about the freedom to marry.
Getting hitched
You’ll first need to apply for a marriage license. And in Palm Springs, that means both partners must go to a county clerk’s office with a photo ID and cash, check or money order for the license fee ($83) and ceremony if desired. You do not need an appointment.
The license is only good for 90 days. And for the marriage ceremonies ($40), you will need an appointment. Judges, court commissioners, civil marriage commissioners, magistrates, priests, ministers and rabbis can officiate weddings. Keep in mind that the Riverside county clerk’s recorder office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Desert honeymoon
Palm Springs is scorching hot. Last week, temperatures hit 117 degrees. But it’s a sublime weekend getaway. And now that airlines are charging for checked bags, you won’t need a huge wardrobe — even for a wedding. At last week’s ceremony, it was unusual to see any couples wearing full-length pants. Flip-flops were the choice footwear for connubial bliss.
You’ll definitely need a rental car. While searching for flights, also consider Ontario International Airport, which is only about 60 miles west of Palm Springs. Los Angeles airports are about a two-hour drive.
 |
| MOTORING AND MODERN DESIGN: Robert Imber conducts a mid-century architecture tour on Segways. |
My one-bedroom suite ($169)was enormous: a living room, dining room, full kitchen, bathroom and private bedroom. The WiFi was included, and the mattress was one of the most comfortable hotel beds I’ve ever slept on. Michael and Stephen, the Triangle’s gracious hosts, do a terrific job at making guests feel like they’re having a genuine experience that only locals can provide.
Sightseeing activities abound — even in the oppressive heat. Even today, Palm Springs is where Hollywood relaxes. Gay guide Robert Imber runs PS Modern Tours, where Imber teaches you how to operate Segway transporters and everyone drives around the Las Palmas district to see the old vacation homes of Liberace, Clark Gable and Carol Lombard, Vivian Leigh and Lawrence Oliver and even the “Lily Pad,” Lily Tomlin’s neo-modern retreat.
Speaking of Hollywood stars — an adorable must-see is the Silver Scissors “Barbra Shop,” a hair salon with a gallery that worships La Streisand that’s tucked inside a downtown boutique strip on North Canyon Drive.
One thousand years ago — before all those golf courses teed up in Palm Springs — the Agua Caliente band of Cahuilla Indians settled the area. They knew how great it felt to soak in the natural hot springs. You can enjoy the experience as well. The Spa Resort Casino has a “taking of the waters” mineral bath ($40; $25 with purchase of a facial) where you can steam, sauna and soak in a private tub then relax in a tranquility room. The hour-long experience is a remarkable natural high.
You can escape the heat, too. About a 10-minute drive from downtown Palm Springs, you can be whisked to the top of Mount San Jacinto in a rotating aerial tramway ($21) and go hiking — where it’s about 25-40 degrees cooler.
In an earlier visit to Palm Springs, I was unable to solicit good dining suggestions from other tourists. This last trip, I found a terrific one: the gay-owned Café Amuse on Tahquitz Canyon Way. The cuisine is a blend of south of France with Southern California. They craft an incredible Andalusian sandwich with paquillo peppers, manchego cheese, grilled eggplant, zucchini and fennel on ciabata. The salads are pretty divine as well.
The Palm Springs nightlife is hopping. Hunter’s is a dance bar where the boys sometimes go shirtless. Toucan’s does a great Sunday night cabaret with an endless parade of drag cabaret. For a casual “jeans and flip-flops” version of S/M, check out the frisky Toolshed, a relaxed pub where it’s easy to meet friendly locals and the music isn’t overbearingly loud.
Little Black Book
| Contact | ||
| Enchanted Garden Wedding Chapel |
10 La Plaza Palm Springs, CA 92262 |
877 - PS-I-WED- U |
| Palm Springs Marriage Celebration | June 21, 2008 7-10 p.m. |
760-327-9708 |
| Steve Pougnet | Mayor, Palm Springs | steve.pougnet@palmsprings-ca.gov |
| Palm Spring's County clerk's office |
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, California 92262 |
760-323-8299 |
| Riverside county clerk's recorder office |
3900 Main Street Riverside, CA 92522 | 760-318-6118 |
| Ontario International Airport |
http://www.lawa.org/ont/ | |
| Triangle Inn |
555 E San Lorenzo Road Palm Springs, CA 92264-8113 |
800-732-7555 |
| PS Modern Tours |
760-318-6118 | |
| Silver Scissors "Barbra Shop" |
278-D North Palm Canyon Drive. Palms Springs, CA 92262 |
(760) 318-6118 |
| The Spa Resort Casino |
401 E Amado Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262 |
(760) 883-1000 |
| Aerial Tramway |
One Tramway Rd. Palm Springs, CA. 92262 |
888-515-TRAM |
| Cafe Amuse |
241 E Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 |
(760) 322-8880 |
| Hunter's Night Club |
302 E Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262 |
(760) 323-0700 |
| Toucan's Tiki Lounge |
2100 N Palm Canyon Dr # A100 Palm Springs, CA 92262 |
(760) 416-7584 |
| Toolshed |
600 E Sunny Dunes Rd Palm Springs, CA 92264 |
(760) 320-3299 |
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition June 27, 2008.
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