BY PAULO MURILLO
PALM SPRINGS
MR. PALM SPRINGS LEATHER HONEY DAVENPORT WINS INTERNATIONAL MR. LEATHER 2026
Reaffirming Southern California’s prominent position within the global leather community, reigning Mr. Palm Springs Leather 2026 Honey Davenport has won the International Mr. Leather (IML) 2026 title in Chicago.
Davenport bested a competitive field of regional titleholders from around the world to secure the honor at the 48th annual IML event.
The victory transitions Davenport from regional representative to international ambassador, kickstarting a year-long term dedicated to community advocacy, fundraising, and global visibility.
SAN DIEGO
$19M LGBT CENTER DONATION SPARKS SENIOR HOUSING DISPUTE
A historic $19 million donation from the late Maurice Thimot and M. Rust Rawnsley has sparked tension between LGBTQ+ seniors and the San Diego LGBT Center. While the 2022 gift was designated for senior housing, critics are demanding a forensic audit and greater transparency regarding its use. The dispute has already led to the restructuring of the Center’s advisory committees. Center officials defended their handling of the funds, citing donor privacy rules and ongoing legal reviews regarding usage guidelines. Consequently, the organization paused all spending from the endowment in 2026 while awaiting legal clarification.
LONG BEACH
CAR CRASHES INTO SILVER FOX DURING PRIDE WEEKEND
A vehicle lost control and crashed into the Silver Fox Long Bar on Sunday, May 17, during Long Beach Pride weekend. The car narrowly missed pedestrians before slamming into the exterior wall near the dance floor. While the popular gay bar sustained structural damage, fortunately, no major injuries were reported.
WEST HOLLYWOOD
SWEETWATER LESBIAN BAR SET FOR WEHO PRIDE SOFT OPENING
SweetWater WeHo Nightclub has announced it will host a soft opening from June 5–7, just in time for WeHo Pride weekend. Promising an inclusive, high-energy nightlife experience, the new venue will operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no tickets required for entry. A formal grand opening is scheduled for mid-June.
LOS ANGELES
ADONIS LA SHUTS DOWN ALL-MALE EROTIC REVUE
Adonis LA, the prominent all-male erotic revue, is shutting down its West Coast operations after more than a decade. Founded in 2013, the production expanded from West Hollywood’s Fubar to cities like Long Beach, Las Vegas, and Palm Springs. Producers cited declining attendance and shifting post-pandemic industry dynamics as the reasons for ending the high-energy show’s run.
