Award Presenters include Alexandra Billings and Andy Linsky Featured Speaker is Brandon Wolf, HRC National Press Secretary
Palm Springs, Calif. — October 6, 2025 — The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Palm Springs announced today that The City of Palm Springs will receive the HRC Community Leadership Award and the Transgender Health & Wellness Center will receive the HRC Community Impact Award at the 24th HRC Palm Springs Garden Party. HRC’s Garden Party and silent auction fundraiser takes place on Saturday, November 8, 2025, 2:00–4:30 p.m., at a private estate in Palm Springs.
The program will also feature Brandon Wolf, HRC National Press Secretary who will provide remarks about HRC’s work nationally, regionally and locally to defend, protect and advance equality for the LGBTQ+ Americans.
2025 Honorees
City of Palm Springs — HRC Community Leadership Award
The City of Palm Springs is being recognized for sustained, measurable leadership in LGBTQ+ equality, as a result of earning a perfect 100 score on HRC’s Municipal Equality Index (MEI) in both 2023 and 2024.
” The City of Palm Springs isn’t just inclusive; we are a dedicated champion of diversity and unconditional inclusion for all. To be honored with the HRC Community Leadership Award is a profound affirmation of our values.,” said Ron deHarte, Mayor of Palm Springs. “This recognition reflects the unwavering commitment of our city leaders and residents who work every day to ensure every single member of the LGBTQ+ community is not just seen, but safe, celebrated, and empowered. We are fiercely proud to lead the charge for full equality for all people, and we stand with the Human Rights Campaign to fight relentlessly for a truly just tomorrow,” he added.
This HRC Community Leadership Award will be presented by Andy Linsky, a long-serving member of HRC’s Board of Directors (Emeritus Council) who has recently completed his 23rd year of volunteer service to the organization.
Transgender Health & Wellness Center — HRC Community Impact Award
The Transgender Health & Wellness Center, a trans-led organization serving Southern California, is being recognized for providing affirming care and youth support that strengthen health, safety, and belonging in Palm Springs and across the Coachella Valley – demonstrating unwavering courage in the face of adversity.
“Supporting the transgender community is not charity — it is justice. The more we protect our most vulnerable, the stronger gay and lesbian right becomes. The attacks against transgender people are a warning: we must rise together, or we risk falling apart,” said Thomi Clinton, CEO & Founder of the Transgender Health & Wellness Center.
The HRC Community Impact Award will be presented by Alexandra Billings, an award-winning actress, activist, educator, and Associate Professor of Acting at USC’s School of Dramatic Arts.
“This is a rallying call for our community including our advocates and ally’s. The HRC Garden Party is an opportunity for us to show what’s possible when we answer the call for action because — when we show up, equality wins!” said Brian O’Connor, executive producer and steering committee chair. “I’m deeply grateful to our all-volunteer planning committee, whose time, talent and leadership make this a successful, award-winning fundraiser year after year. Our honorees reflect the best of our community: courageous, compassionate and in action, committed to equality for all.”
Tickets, Sponsorships & Auction
- Tickets are on sale now at www.hrc.org/PSGardenParty. Become a Co-Host of our biggest fundraiser of the year.
- Sponsorship packages are available from $1,500 and up, offering premium recognition and VIP access to events.
- Silent Auction: Businesses and community members are invited to donate products, services, and unique experiences to be featured in the Garden Party’s silent auction benefiting HRC’s mission. We encourage attendees to Bid High for Equality!
About the HRC Palm Springs Garden Party
Now in its 24th year, the Garden Party has become one of HRC’s most beloved signature community fundraisers and gathering of equality voters in the Coachella Valley region. A festive afternoon and action-oriented gathering, the fundraiser brings together members, advocates, allies, business leaders, and community leaders to power HRC’s work in this region and nationwide. Event details and key contacts to sponsor, purchase tickets or volunteer are easy to find at www.hrc.org/PSGardenParty
Follow @HRC Palm Springs on social media.
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AWARD PRESENTERS
About Andrew Linsky
Andrew Z. “Andy” Linsky has devoted more than two decades of volunteer leadership to the Human Rights Campaign, serving on both the National Board of Directors and the HRC Foundation Board, including a distinguished term as Co-Chair. Since 2002, he has been a cornerstone of HRC Palm Springs, helping grow the Garden Party into one of the nation’s leading community fundraising events. Andy’s steadfast commitment to equality has strengthened local engagement, expanded donor support, and inspired new generations of leaders. At this year’s Garden Party, he will present the HRC Community Leadership Award to the City of Palm Springs in recognition of their shared dedication to respecting, honoring and advancing equality.
About Alexandra Billings
Alexandra Billings is an award-winning actress, activist, educator, and Associate Professor of Acting at USC’s School of Dramatic Arts.
With a pioneering career spanning decade, she has appeared on stage, film, and television, including her breakthrough recurring role as Davina on Amazon’s Transparent and guest appearances on Grey’s Anatomy, How to Get Away with Murder, ER, and The Conners.
As one of the first openly transgender actors to play transgender characters on television (notably in Romy and Michele: In the Beginning in 2005), Billings has helped open doors for trans representation in the arts. She is also an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS communities, living openly as a long-term survivor of HIV.
Among her honors, Billings received the Human Rights Campaign’s Visibility Award, has earned multiple After Dark Awards and a Joseph Jefferson Award for her theatrical work, and was recently honored by USC with the Associates Award for Artistic Expression, the university’s highest faculty distinction.
HRC Palm Springs is honored that Alexandra Billings will present the HRC Community Impact Award to the Transgender Health & Wellness Center.
