The Palm Springs Guys 7/21/25 The Palm Springs Guys 7/21/25

Drag & Fly Tours: Anita Doll’s Five Eras of Palm Springs

The five eras that shaped Palm Springs – from yesterday’s sacred springs to today’s LGBTQ+ mecca – through the eyes of local drag queen Anita Doll. Her Drag & Fly Tour blends history, humor, and high camp aboard Palm Springs’ most fabulous attraction.

Have you ever gotten Palm Springs history lessons from a drag queen on a tour bus with music videos, trivia, and actual prizes? Because that’s how we roll in the desert these days – literally.

Recently, The Palm Springs Guys experienced the iconic Drag & Fly Tours hosted by Anita Doll and Miss B. Guided (aka Rosemary Galore), and Palm Springs has never been more fabulously educational.

Anita, a former journalist turned storytelling showgirl, guides guests through five distinct eras that shaped Palm Springs into the queer desert utopia it is today – all aboard a luxury “theater on wheels” that turns history into herstory.

Thanks to Anita (a.k.a. JD Cargill), we now have a sassy, smart, and deeply thoughtful breakdown of Palm Springs’ queer-coded history – and as far as we’re concerned, it’s a theory worth considering.

If you have anything you’d like to contribute to this article, please email us (and let us know why).

In the meantime, here is Drag & Fly Tour’s Anita Doll’s five eras of Palm Springs...

Era 1: The Agua Caliente Era (Ancient–19th Century)

Cahuilla people courtesy of the Palm Springs Historical Society

Before the movie stars and muscle gays, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians were the first to call Palm Springs home – for thousands of years before Western settlers. The sacred hot springs were the literal and spiritual lifeblood of this region.

They believed in at least three genders, recognizing a “Two-Spirit” identity long before Westerners caught up. Their worldview instinctively saw gender as non-binary, rooted in spiritual and social balance – which means that this level of Queer wisdom has been around longer than all 1 million seasons of Drag Race.

The spring, still bubbling beneath the luxurious Séc-he Spa, was much more than just a spa day back then. It was survival, spirituality, and sanctuary. The stage was being set for Palm Springs eventually becoming a place of healing, transformation, and deeper connection.

In many ways, this era centers around the healing power of water – a resource so vital that it defined where and how people lived for generations.

Era 2: The Founding Mothers Era (Late 1800s–Early 1900s)

Nellie with her sons Owen and George. Photo courtesy of the Palm Springs Historical Society

The early 1900s gave us the original wellness influencers: a fierce group of women who built guest houses, sanitariums, and health retreats around those mineral-rich waters and our refreshingly dry desert air.

Enter Nellie Coffman (who built the iconic Desert Inn in 1909), Pearl McCallum, Cornelia White, Ruth Hardy, and more. These ladies created what Anita calls the “Girl Power Era,” establishing Palm Springs as a healing hideaway, rooted in the belief that the mineral-rich waters and arid desert air offered therapeutic benefits – especially for those suffering respiratory conditions.

They were building empires before they could vote, honey.

Today, their impact still echoes. The site of the Desert Inn is now home to the Rowan Hotel, and the Marilyn Monroe statue is just a stone throw away – both symbols of modern Palm Springs still standing on historic ground.

Era 3: The Hollywood’s Playground Era (1920s–1960s)

Once word got out about Palm Springs, the stars began to descend. Why? Because Palm Springs was just far enough (100 miles) from Hollywood that paparazzi wouldn't follow. Locals still refer to this as the “100 mile” rule.

Actors were also contractually obligated to still be close enough if they needed to be called into the studio last-minute. Palm Springs was the perfect escape.

Later, once cameras did arrive, the resorts were walled, gated, and gloriously hush-hush. Resorts were discreet, and owners were known for fiercely protecting their guests' privacy.

From the silent film era to the Rat Pack years, Palm Springs became a secret escape for the famous and fabulous during this era: Liberace, Rock Hudson, Truman Capote, Tallulah Bankhead, Marlene Dietrich, Cary Grant, and dozens more.

This was the era of mental health and personal freedom. Queer (but closeted) stars with “career-ending secrets” could live, love, and lounge under the radar – poolside martini in hand. 🍸

Notable venues included El Mirador, Ingleside Inn, the Desert Inn, the Oasis Hotel, and the Racquet Club (where Marilyn Monroe famously caught the eye of her agent).

Era 4: The Modernism Era (1940s–1970s)

The Sinatra House History with Piano Shaped Swimming Pool

Eventually, Hollywood’s elite stopped renting and started building.

As stars like Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope began buying and building homes, they hired the top architects of the day (now known as the Modern Masters – Albert Frey, Donald Wexler, William Krisel) to design custom homes that mirrored their liberated lives.

It was all about clean lines, indoor-outdoor living, and a fresh way of thinking – modernism as metaphor. Open floor plans met open sexuality, and a new aesthetic was born. Modernism symbolized freedom of thought and lifestyle – again tying back to health in terms of creative and personal expression.

The stars settled in, and the culture of design, art, and inclusivity blossomed. Even behind the scenes, queer influence shaped Palm Springs’ look and feel.

So next time you’re touring a MCM house in Palm Springs, remember that you’re walking through decades of queer-forward design thinking.

***Search Homes at Modern Living Palm Springs***

Era 5: The Queer Era (1980s–Present)

Then came the 1980s. A dark time, indeed – but also one of resilience.

As AIDS devastated our community, many sick gay men came to Palm Springs seeking the same healing energy their predecessors had. Gay men from San Francisco who were HIV+ had nowhere else to turn because the only hospitals who would treat them were here in Palm Springs. They essentially came here to die – and be cared for with dignity until then.

This marked the beginning of Desert AIDS Project (now DAP Health) – and from there, something powerful bloomed.

Palm Springs became a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community. Over the decades, a chosen family gathered: survivors, lovers, best friends, and allies. Now, it’s a place where representation reigns – from KGAY 106.5 FM to rainbow crosswalks and a majority-LGBTQ city council.

Today, inclusivity is a lifestyle here in Palm Springs: The city is now a global queer mecca, where identity is celebrated, and the healing, expression, and liberation continues.

The Common Thread: Health

As Anita brilliantly summarizes, health is the throughline across all five eras:

The Agua Caliente: Water as sacred life force
Founding Mothers: Wellness retreats in the healing desert air
Hollywood: Emotional and mental refuge
Modernism: Design as freedom of thought and spirit
Queer Era: Healing and community through crisis and recovery

Why You Belong Here, Too

Whether it’s the sacred wisdom of the Agua Caliente or the fierce resilience of the queer community during the AIDS crisis, Palm Springs has always been a place of transformation, freedom, and healing – especially for those of us seeking to live our best gay lives. And thanks to Anita Doll’s Drag & Fly Tours, this rich history is now more accessible and entertaining than ever.

So, if you're planning a visit (and you absolutely should), add this drag queen-hosted joyride to your must-do list. Between the sunshine, the architecture, the pool parties, and now the most fabulous sightseeing tour on wheels, Palm Springs proves again and again that there’s nowhere quite like it.

What’s your favorite piece of Palm Springs queer history? Share your experiences!

If you’re curious to learn more about all the fun you can have here in Palm Springs and our beautiful Coachella Valley, check out some of our blog favorites, like:

Curious About Buying, Selling, or Relocating?

In addition to being one half of The Palm Springs Guys – **Glen Nadeau** is one of Palm Springs’ top-producing Realtors, known for his no-pressure approach, deep market expertise, and genuine commitment to his clients.
A member of The Caldwell & Linger Group – ranked a Top Real Estate Team by *Palm Springs Life Magazine* – Glen is also backed by COMPASS, which remains the #1 ranked brokerage in the country. Glen takes great pride in knowing that his clients are in such good hands.
“Hospitality is what drives me because helping folks achieve their real estate goals is essentially helping them build a better life for themselves.”
Visit **Modern Living Palm Springs**, or reach out to me directly. Ask me anything – I promise to give you much more support than ChatGPT, Google or the news will.
Your Palm Springs Insider,
Glen Nadeau (pronounced “Ned-oh” as in “meadow”)
📱 Call or Text: 805-220-8097
📨 Email: glen.nadeau@compass.com
🔎My Google Business Reviews ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

More Gay-Friendly Resources

Gay Desert Guide Directory

"The Gay Agenda" at VisitPalmSprings.com

The Palm Springs Guys 2/17/25 The Palm Springs Guys 2/17/25

Rainbow Entertainment Group: Bridging Palm Springs with Provincetown

Discover how Rainbow Entertainment Group is bridging Palm Springs with Provincetown some of the most fabulous gay events a boy could hope for. From dazzling drag performances to tribute shows, plan your ultimate LGBTQ+ getaway!

As 2025 unfolds, our little desert city is set to dazzle with an array of LGBTQ+ events all year long. Some of our favorite Palm Springs events have been curated by the illustrious Rainbow Entertainment Group (such as drag superstars Dina Martina, Coco Peru, and Ginger Minj)!

With a legacy of crafting unforgettable experiences, they're busy bridging the gap between Palm Springs, California and Provincetown, Massachusetts (aka Ptown) – bringing a lineup that's as diverse and dynamic as our community itself.

If you have anything you’d like to contribute to this article, please email us and let us know (and let us know why)!

Rainbow Entertainment Group: Bridging Palm Springs with Provincetown - The Palm Springs Guys - Gay Palm Springs

Meet the Maestro: Richy Pugh and Rainbow Entertainment Group

Rainbow Entertainment Group: Bridging Palm Springs with Provincetown - Richy Pugh - The Palm Springs Guys - Gay Palm Springs — Helmed by the visionary CEO Richy Pugh, Rainbow Entertainment Group has been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ entertainment for over a decade. From orchestrating a successful holiday decor and event company between 2011 and 2019 to serving as the Executive Director of Entertainment for a prominent Provincetown-based company in 2023-2024, Richy's commitment to top-tier entertainment is unparalleled.

His collaborations read like a who's who of queer culture, featuring icons such as Miss CoCo Peru, Varla Jean Merman, Miss Richfield 1981, Dina Martina, Miss Conception, Ross Mathews, Kathy Griffin, Debby Holiday, and tribute bands honoring legends like Freddie Mercury, George Michael, and Elvis. Notably, he was a driving force behind the triumphant return of BOYZ Night OUT in the summer of 2023. Now, with Rainbow Entertainment Group, Richy is infusing Palm Springs with a series of events that always promises to elevate your desert experience.

Rainbow Entertainment Group: Bridging Palm Springs with Provincetown - Lady Bunny, George Michael Tribute, Dame Edna Tribute - The Palm Springs Guys - Gay Palm Springs

Upcoming REG Events in Palm Springs

Mark your calendars, boyz! Here's what Rainbow Entertainment Group has in store for Palm Springs in the coming months:

Lady Bunny in "Don't Bring the Kids"

Date: Friday, February 21, 2025, at 7 PM
Venue: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E Baristo Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
After multiple sold-out residencies in New York, the legendary drag queen and razor-sharp comedian Lady Bunny brings her raunchy tour de force to the desert. Combining singing, comedy, and dance, this show is sure to make even the most conservative attendees squirm with delight. As the New York Times raves, it "will have audiences weeping with laughter while groaning in disgust."

George Michael Reborn

Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 7 PM
Venue: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E Baristo Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
This incredible tribute to the late, great George Michael is a must-see! Starring Robert Bartko, who exudes the energy and passion of George in the '80s and '90s, the performance features live vocals (no lip-syncing here) that will have you dancing to hits like "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" and swaying to the soulful "Careless Whisper." Bartko's uncanny resemblance, vocal range, and charisma make this a tribute that truly honors the legend himself.

"With Love From the Bush" – A Dame Edna Tribute

Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 7 PM
Venue: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E Baristo Rd
You’ve never seen Dame Edna like this! With Love From the Bush is a hilarious and tuneful celebration of Australian comedy icon Dame Edna Everage starring renowned actor, singer, and tribute artist Michael Walters! Get ready to explore the deepest, most private parts of the Diva from Down Under with lots of laughs, show-stopping musical numbers, and glittering gowns! Totaltheatre.com says "The closest thing to enjoying Dame Edna’s outrageous comedy on Broadway is to laugh ‘til you cry over Michael L. Walters’ Dame Edna!” and the original Dame Edna, Barry Humphries, says Michael’s homage is “SPECTACULAR!”

Upcoming Events in Provincetown

For those planning a coastal escape, Rainbow Entertainment Group has a VERY exciting lineup in Provincetown for Summer 2025 too. Here’s a quick-look:

CoCo Peru: One Night Only

Date: Friday, August 22, 2025, at 8 PM

Venue: Provincetown Town Hall, 260 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA 02657

Sutton Lee Seymour – "Witch, Please!"

Dates: Multiple performances throughout Summer 2025