Our intent is to serve the interests of gay and lesbian law enforcement, firefighters, military, and other public safety and justice system workers from all over the world. We are primarily a social organization that intends to organize public and private events with an eye towards charitable fundraising for LGBT organizations. We were formed as a result of another organization within the Southern California area that wanted to exclude service members from its events and membership, some friends who were involved with that organization came together and created the logo and name (with their own monies), this group would be called “Protect And Defend”.

Our first event was Party in the Desert 2006, held July 7th through 9th at a hotel in Palm Springs. This was a private event, and we had the entire hotel booked for our members. This was set up by the members of a former organization in California that had the Pigs In Paradise events. At this event there was a vote by the attendees (only public safety and military) and it was unanimous that Protect and Defend should incorporate as a organization.

What a great success it was! No cliques, no attitudes, just fun in the sun and water with great food and drink. A charitable donation was made to Desert Pride Center, and we were able to contribute to an operating budget for the future. Support came from attorneys and corporate sponsors that helped Protect and Defend or (PAD) incorporate as a legit non profit organization.

We are not a political organization, civilians do not have access to membership and confidential records, copies of identification cards are not made and retained in unsecured areas and we are not driven for personal gain, we are a family of professionals who believe in the mission of “Partnership”. This organization highly secured and requires ID verification at all private events for the safety of its members. We are legit organization with a legit budget and membership roster. We are also members of Chamber of Commerce and professional organizations in 5 states!

Future events will be a mix of public and private parties and fundraiser’s. Stay tuned for updates on events, and help us build our mailing list (don’t worry, there will only be occasional e-mails) by letting folks know about the organization.

“Protect and Defend and Party In The Desert” has been organized by people formerly associated with the Golden State Peace Officers Association (GSPOA) who were key planners of the Pigs in Paradise parties from 2003 through 2005. Protect and Defend and Party in the Desert are in no way affiliated with GSPOA, Pigs in Paradise, Guns N Hoses or the “GPOA -Gay Peace Officers Association” or Legal International.

Protect and Defend Today

Today the organization is a strong network of over 580  members nationwide with members in over 39 states and 3 countries. We have a panel of attorneys who help with the board of directors, legal counsel and more.  Our Board meets on a bi-monthly basis and serves as a voice of its membership. PAD now has monies secured for its scholarship funds, death benefits and more.  Our interactive website allows members to chat on a bi-monthly basis on our internet chat nights.

PAD donates to charities throughout California and beyond, we have donated over $35,000 and host public and private events. Events to look forward to, Our Christmas Party, Las Vegas Charity Auction (being marketed by a Nationwide Marketing Firm), PAD South Beach Party, and our world renown “PARTY IN THE DESERT”.