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Trilogy at La Quinta HOA Cancels Drag Queen Bingo Event
On April 10, the Trilogy at La Quinta homeowners’ association made an exciting announcement about a bingo evening scheduled for May 18. The event was set to be hosted by local drag queen Rusty Waters, promising a fun and inclusive night for residents to enjoy.
However, just two days later, the HOA retracted its announcement. In an April 12 message to residents, the Trilogy at La Quinta Maintenance Association board explained that concerns had been expressed by some members of the community regarding Mr. Waters. As a result, the event was modified and plans were made to reschedule it in the fall of 2023.
Residents Express Displeasure over Decision-making Process
The message from the board stated that the association values diversity and inclusion, extending to the type of entertainment provided to residents. Despite this, some residents, including Cathy Smithweiss, were dissatisfied with the decision to cancel the original event and reschedule it behind closed doors, without following the proper protocol.
Smithweiss sought assistance from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to address the issue. She signed a retainer agreement with the ACLU on June 29, requesting their support in ensuring that future decisions by the board follow proper processes and are transparent.
ACLU Advocates for Community Engagement
The ACLU’s attorney, Jonathan Markovitz, pointed out that the California Open Meeting Act prohibits association boards from making decisions without holding a residents’ meeting. He wrote a letter to the board on Smithweiss’ behalf, urging them to commit to avoiding similar open-meeting violations in the future.
Markovitz emphasized that homeowner associations play a significant role in shaping residents’ lives, and therefore, they have a legal obligation to be transparent and accountable to their members. He argued that the public has the right to participate in decisions that impact their lives.
Board Responds, Maintains Compliance with State Law
Representatives of the Trilogy at La Quinta Maintenance Association board declined to speak to the Independent. However, the board attorney’s response to Markovitz’s letter was shared with the publication by a local PR firm. In the response, dated July 6, Wayne Guralnick stated that the board fully followed state law. He clarified that the board did not discuss or make a decision to cancel the event, but rather supported management’s decision to reschedule.
Markovitz expressed disappointment with the board’s resistance to transparency and their failure to engage association members in a matter of community interest, especially during a time when drag performers and the LGBTQ+ community face threats across the country.
Expert Emphasizes the Importance of Open Meetings and Transparency
Nadine Buxton, an expert on HOA matters, emphasized the significance of open meetings and transparency within association boards. She advised homeowners to familiarize themselves with their association’s governing documents and the relevant California civil code. Buxton acknowledged that situations like this can either escalate into conflicts or present valuable growth and learning opportunities for the homeowners’ association and its members.
Drag Performers Remain Determined to Spread Joy
Rusty Waters, the drag queen originally scheduled to host the bingo event, declined to comment on the situation. Another local drag performer, Rosemary Galore, expressed her disbelief at the controversy, stating that a drag queen hosting a bingo event would not harm anyone. Galore described her job as a source of joy and happiness, noting that it allows her to bring those feelings to others.
Despite the cancellation of the initial event, Trilogy at La Quinta has included drag performers in their upcoming schedule. “A Dragtastic Evening,” featuring five performers and hosted by Sabryna Williams, is set to take place on July 28.
