Full Lineup for 5th Annual Pride on the Page Revealed
The Palm Springs Public Library Foundation (PSPLF) has finalized the complete lineup for its 5th Annual Pride on the Page Book Festival, Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Registration is now open for both the DAYTIME and EVENING events, (each requires a separate registration), which are FREE this year, including the special evening program and anniversary festivities.
MORE SPECIAL GUESTS JUST ADDED: In addition to comedian and actor Murray Hill, he will be joined in conversation with actor, comedian and writer Tim Bagley. They will discuss Murray’s book “Showbiz! My Life as a Middle-Aged Man.” Together, they will be the final session for the daytime program. And as an added bonus, this year’s special evening guest is Grammy-nominated country music artist Ty Herndon, whose recent memoir, “What Mattered Most,” chronicles his remarkable life and career, including his rise to country music stardom, struggles with addiction and mental health, and the years he spent hiding his sexuality. In 2014, Herndon made country music history when he became the first major male country artist to publicly come out as gay. Herndon will discuss his memoir and journey in conversation with Corey Roskin, co-creator and author coordinator for Pride on the Page and a Palm Springs Public Library Foundation board member.
“Ty’s story embodies what Pride on the Page is about—the power of telling our stories openly and authentically, particularly this year as we focus on memoirs and personal storytelling,” said Roskin. “For our fifth anniversary, we wanted to bring together an especially compelling range of voices and conversations, and we’re excited that we can offer the entire festival free and open to everyone.”
Created in 2022, Pride on the Page has grown into one of the Coachella Valley’s premier literary events, bringing LGBTQ+ authors, readers and allies together for thoughtful conversations, diverse perspectives and community connection. This year, the festival celebrates its 5th anniversary with the theme, “Five Years of Pride on the Page: Our Lives, Our Words, Our Stories,” highlighting memoirs and personal narratives reflecting the many voices and experiences within the LGBTQ+ community.
Since its inception, Pride on the Page has featured more than 150 LGBTQ+ and affirming authors and moderators. This year’s program continues that tradition with a full day of intimate author conversations exploring life, memory, identity, family, activism, popular culture and the stories behind the books.
“This festival is about creating a welcoming space where people can discover great books, hear remarkable stories and connect through conversations,” said Julie Warren, co-creator of Pride on the Page and library services and public relations manager of the Palm Springs Public Library.
The Daytime Program, requiring registration to attend, will feature the following conversations (a complete list of participating authors, moderators and special guests is provided alphabetically at the end of this release):
MINING THE MOTHER/DAUGHTER MEMOIR
Erika Simpson (“This Is Your Mother”) in conversation with Danielle Myers-Porter, co-owner of Get Lit Books and Things
THE MEMOIR IN COLLABORATION
Daniel M. Jaffe (“Russian Silhouette: A Memoir of Activism and Identity”) and Ian Henzel, founder/managing publisher of Rattling Good Yarns Press, discuss their unique author/publisher/editor partnership
BETWEEN FACT AND FICTION: THE PERSONAL BEHIND THE NOVEL
Rasheed Newson (“There’s Only Sin in Hollywood”) in conversation with Meredith Maran, book critic and contributor to The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times and other publications
BREAKING FREE: A QUEER BLACK MAN’S JOURNEY
Phill Branch (“The Double Dutch Fuss”) in conversation with Geoffrey Newman (“Better to Cry Now: Shaping the Flow of a Gay Black Man”)
LGBTQ+ SOCIAL CHANGE THROUGH THE STORIES OF ATHLETES/ENTERTAINERS IN POPULAR CULTURE
Lisa M. Stulberg (“How to Win a Culture War: LGBTQ+ Social Change Through Pop Culture”) in conversation with writer, actress, producer and activist Jen Richards
A “SHOWBIZ!” LIFE
Entertainer Murray Hill (“Showbiz! My Life as a Middle-Aged Man”) in conversation with actor and comedian Tim Bagley
Then, the Evening Program, requiring a separate registration to attend, will feature:
WHAT MATTERED MOST
Grammy-nominated country music artist Ty Herndon, author of “What Mattered Most,” in conversation with literary organizer and Pride on the Page co-creator Corey Roskin
Throughout the day, attendees can also explore the FREE outdoor festival tent featuring local LGBTQ+ authors, independent publishers, plus community organizations and resources. Book signings will also take place outside under the “big tent.” Books by featured authors and moderators will be available for purchase from The Best Bookstore in Palm Springs. Additionally, in celebration of Pride on the Page’s fifth anniversary, a copy of each featured author’s book (30 per author for daytime and 50 for the evening event) will be available for FREE! Attendees can line up OUTSIDE Theatre One in the designated line 15 minutes before an author’s session for an opportunity to receive a book (one per person, while supplies last). Festival registration and a wristband are required to receive a book. First-come, first-served; a book is not guaranteed.
The festival will conclude with a special 5th Anniversary Celebration, bringing together featured authors and attendees for refreshments and socializing, enjoying the music of local favorites Leanna & Miguel, outside under the event tent. The closing festivities will celebrate five years of LGBTQ+ voices, memorable conversations, great books and the community that has made Pride on the Page a signature annual event.
The Foundation is proud to partner with sponsors that make this FREE event possible. Confirmed sponsors include the Palm Springs Public Library, City of Palm Springs, Palm Springs Cultural Center, The Best Bookstore in Palm Springs, Steve Tobin & Johnny Krupa/Grace Helen Spearman Charitable Foundation, Hilton Palm Springs, Saguaro Hotel, Alcazar Palm Springs, Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel, Roadrunner Print and Ship, Koffi, Hot Cookie Palm Springs, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Townie Bagels, KGAY/Gay Desert Guide, Coachella Valley Independent, The Standard, PromoHomo.TV, and Greater Palm Springs Pride. Additional sponsorships are still available. Community Partners will be featured in the outside event tent and include: The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, Desert Business Association, Palm Springs Writers Guild, Rattling Good Yarns Press, Sibling Rivalry Press, Stacked Deck Press, and Get Lit Books & Things.
Admission to Pride on the Page is FREE, but advance registration is required:
For the complete festival schedule, updates and more information, visit: www.prideonthepage.org