Palm Desert Mayor Joe Pradetto has suffered a public and political blow after the city council resoundingly rejected his attempt to halt the city’s recognition of LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations.
At a city council meeting on 11 December, Pradetto proposed rescinding Palm Desert’s 2024 resolution supporting Greater Palm Springs Pride, and discontinuing the city’s practice of hanging Pride banners each November. He also sought to amend a 2018 resolution affirming the city’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
In response, a special meeting was called, and on 16 December, the council voted 4–1 to uphold existing policies, allowing Pride banners to continue being displayed. Pradetto was the only vote in opposition.
Community Pushback: “Significant Damage Has Already Been Done”
Ahead of the meeting, the city received over 60 written submissions, with many LGBTQ+ residents expressing concern that Pradetto’s actions had caused lasting harm.
Jacob Frick, a resident of 11 years, spoke emotionally about the message the proposal sent:
“This implies you’re not welcome in Palm Desert. Even if this proposal doesn’t pass today, significant damage has already been done.”
Frick described the proposal as a “colossal waste of time and money,” drawing visible support from the audience, who were asked to raise hands in agreement with speakers.
Eugene Williams, a therapist who works with LGBTQ+ youth, warned of the mental health impact such actions can have:
“You say Palm Desert is welcoming to everyone, but your actions suggest otherwise.”
Calls for Apology and Resignation
Several community members demanded that Pradetto apologise for bringing the proposal forward, with at least one calling for his resignation. Despite this, Pradetto has refused to step down.
In his remarks, Pradetto acknowledged learning more about how “scared and unsafe” LGBTQ+ residents feel. However, he stood by his proposal, insisting his intentions had been misinterpreted.
Pride Banners to Stay
The city council’s decision to reject the motion ensures that Palm Desert will continue to celebrate Pride visibly, maintaining its long-standing support for the LGBTQ+ community through banner displays and official recognition.
Palm Desert joins the growing number of U.S. cities pushing back against anti-LGBTQ+ political rhetoric, reaffirming that symbolic visibility matters — especially for communities that continue to face marginalisation.
