The City

BY PAULO MURILLO

WEST HOLLYWOOD

TOM OF FINLAND FXLK PLAY EXHIBITION OPENS IN WEHO

A new exhibition celebrating queer artistic expression and erotic art opened last month at Plummer Park in West Hollywood, highlighting the legacy of the Tom of Finland Foundation. Titled FXLK PLAY: Artists-in-Mischief, Devotion, and Mythmaking, the free show runs through March 19, 2026, and features work by more than 60 LGBTQ+ artists who participated in the foundation’s Artist-in-Residence Program. Curated by Jamison Edgar, the exhibition transforms the park’s Long Hall into an immersive space with painting, sculpture, video installations, a listening station and a timeline tracing TOM House from 1979 to 2026. Sponsored by the City of West Hollywood, the exhibition is open Thursdays through Sundays and is intended for mature audiences.

PALM SPRINGS

DINAH SHORE IS UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

The Dinah, the world’s longest-running music festival for queer women, has been sold after 35 years but will remain LGBTQ+-owned and operated. Founder Mariah Hanson announced she has transferred ownership to longtime operations manager Bella Barkow and veteran emcee Rose Garcia. The pair will run the festival under their new company, BellaRose Productions. Organizers said the transition ensures continuity for the Palm Springs-based event, which has become a global gathering and cultural touchstone for queer women since its founding in 1991. 

SAN DIEGO

STRIKE A POSE FOR A TASTE OF HILLCREST

The Hillcrest Business Association invites the community to strike a pose and explore the neighborhood through its “Still Fabulous” photo contest, offering a chance to win tickets to the upcoming “Taste of Hillcrest.” The contest is encouraging participants to take photos in front of the neighborhood’s new Hillcrest Angel Wings installations, located on the 5th and Penn block and along the Normal Street Promenade on University Avenue. The campaign is designed to highlight that Hillcrest remains open for business despite ongoing construction in the area. Two winners received tickets to “Taste of Hillcrest,” scheduled for Saturday, April 11.

LONG BEACH

LGBTQIA2S+ COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Long Beach officials presented results last month from the city’s first LGBTQIA2S+ Community Health Needs Assessment, identifying housing, mental health care and safety as the most pressing concerns. The yearlong study, based on surveys and listening sessions with LGBTQIA2S+ residents, found that a quarter of respondents experienced homelessness in the past year and many struggled with high rents. Nearly two-thirds reported a lifetime mental health diagnosis, often facing barriers to affirming care. Safety was another key issue, with many participants reporting harassment or violence and expressing reluctance to seek help from police. City leaders said the findings will guide future policy and community-driven efforts to improve health equity and services for residents.

LOS ANGELES

HONOREES ANNOUNCED FOR 14TH ANNUAL QUEERTIES AWARDS 

Queerty has announced that comedians Margaret Cho, Megan Stalter and Mae Martin will receive special honors at the 14th Annual Queerties Awards this month. Cho will receive the Icon Award for her decades-long career in comedy, acting and activism, including her groundbreaking 1994 sitcom All-American Girl. Stalter will be honored with the Vanguard Award for her rising influence in television and stand-up, including her recent starring role in Netflix’s Too Much. Martin will receive the Groundbreaker Award for their work across television, stand-up and music, including the Netflix series Wayward. The awards ceremony will take place March 10 at the Avalon Hollywood in Los Angeles.