Out with Dr. Bill: Palm Springs Pride and a Southwest Soujourn

Since returning from Paris, I've been operating at full throttle, starting with the 2024 National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) Annual Conference & Exchange in Atlanta. Over four dynamic days, I reconnected with supply chain practitioners, strengthened friendships, and engaged with dozens of diverse-owned businesses.

The highlight for me was the ribbon-cutting ceremony, where I stood on the mainstage holding the red ribbon as NMSDC CEO & President Ying McGuire, grinning ear to ear, cut through it with oversized, comically large scissors. That moment launched the Business Opportunity Exchange Trade Show, and the room buzzed with contagious energy.

Navigating the bustling trade show floor over two days reminded me why I love this work. Booths buzzed with activity as entrepreneurs shared their stories, pitched ideas, and forged connections that could transform their businesses–and their lives.

Amid the whirlwind, I was thrilled to run into my dear friend, Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour. As America's first Black woman combat pilot, a proud Black gay woman, and a single mom, her advocacy and leadership are nothing short of inspiring. Seeing her, along with so many others in our incredible network, reaffirmed my passion for creating meaningful change.

This conference underscored the privilege of supporting diverse entrepreneurs and witnessing their resilience and creativity. Moments like these remind me of the joy and purpose in working to change lives and empower communities.

Palm Springs Pride: A Weekend to Celebrate and Connect

Palm Springs Pride, unlike many others, takes place later in the year to avoid the intense summer heat, filling the cooler fall season with vibrant energy. Luckily for Eric and me, our friends Mark and Brad decided to stay in the desert for Pride this year, hosting an unforgettable weekend at their 5-star-rated, Tiki-inspired, beautifully appointed Mid-Century Modern vacation rental. I'd admired their PalmspringscoolrentalsLLC (Facebook) and Palm Springs Stay (Instagram) pages for years, but until now, I'd never had the pleasure of staying in their stunning 4-bedroom, resort-style pool home. And wow, it was a treat!

Their house is a dream–a perfect blend of retro charm and modern luxury. The Tiki-inspired décor, complete with tropical accents and vibrant pops of color, transported us to another world. The backyard featured a sparkling pool surrounded by lush landscaping and mountain views that seemed to stretch forever. It was the kind of space that made you want to cancel all your plans and spend the day lounging in the sun, cocktail in hand.

But this was Pride weekend, and there was no time to lounge! The schedule was packed with events–street parties, mixers, poolside gatherings, and, of course, the 38th annual Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade.

The parade is the heart of the weekend, a vibrant celebration that showcases the diversity, resilience, and joy of the LGBTQ+ community. Floats from national brands, local businesses, and community organizations filled the streets, accompanied by high-energy dance routines and creatively themed displays. Spectators lined Palm Canyon Drive, waving rainbow flags and cheering on the marchers.
The parade is surprisingly short and fast-paced; blink, and you might miss it! On the morning of the event, I found myself leaning against the Starbucks float (which, notably, didn't offer free coffee), swapping out my Birkenstocks for sneakers to prepare for the march. As I tied my laces, an unexpected delight rolled my way: Miss Richfield 1981, the beloved beauty queen of Richfield, Minnesota, pedaled up on her oversized tricycle to say hello. I had to do a double take–after all, I'd always thought she had permanent residency in Provincetown.

Miss Richfield's creator, Russ King, has perfected her blend of Midwestern charm and zany humor, giving her a backstory as the self-proclaimed beauty queen of her Minneapolis suburb. She's a true Pride icon, and seeing her in Palm Springs reminded me of the countless times I've watched her shows, laughing so hard my sides hurt.

The parade itself was a whirlwind. About three-quarters of the way through, I spotted a group of friends who had staked out a prime spot on the sidelines with motorhomes, catered snacks, and plenty of libations. Feeling slightly dehydrated under my rainbow-covered ensemble, I made a quick decision to veer off the parade route and blend in with their gathering.

In true Pride spirit, they welcomed me with open arms–and a matching T-shirt they were all wearing. I swapped out my colorful gear for a shirt that proudly declared, My pronouns are He/Him/Daddy. With that wardrobe change, my parade experience officially came to an end. It wasn't the grand finale I'd planned, but it was exactly the kind of spontaneous connection that makes Pride so special.

While the parade was a highlight, the weekend offered so much more. We balanced the chaos with poolside relaxation at Mark and Brad's luxurious home, soaking up the sun and enjoying the breathtaking views of the San Jacinto Mountains. Sharing these peaceful moments with close friends, including Phil, who flew in from New York, made the weekend even more meaningful.