02/27/2026
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Douglas Woodmansee. Douglas was a force of compassion, courage, and joy at a time when our community needed it most.
Alongside his life partner of fifty years, Marshall Pearcy, Douglas helped transform laughter into lifesaving support. Through cabaret, comedy, and artistry, Les Dames du Soleil raised more than $2 million for people living with HIV in the Coachella Valley. In the earliest and most devastating days of the AIDS crisis, when fear, stigma, and limited resources defined the landscape, Douglas and Les Dames created something powerful: belonging. They created a place where everyone could participate, where giving was accessible, and where community connection became a form of healing.
Their shows weren’t just performances; they were pathways to generosity. Before there was crowdfunding, there was Les Dames du Soleil. They made it possible for someone with $3 at the door, or $25 at a ballroom, to feel part of something bigger than themselves. They knew that laughter could restore dignity. That community could counter isolation. That joy could be an antidote to despair.
It is especially meaningful that our client wellness lobby in the Barbara Keller Love Building honors the legacy of Les Dames du Soleil. The vibrant mural, the bold colors, the vintage cabaret posters are reminders of a time when community members stepped forward, to ensure that people living with HIV received the care and advocacy they deserved.
Douglas’s legacy lives on in every patient who receives care, every supporter who believes in health equity, and every space we create to ensure people feel seen, heard, and affirmed.
We extend our deepest condolences to Marshall and all who loved Douglas.
We are forever grateful for his laughter, his leadership, and his unwavering belief that everyone belongs.
Douglas Woodmansee of Palm Springs drag duo Les Dames du Soleil died this week. He's remembered for joyful shows that raised millions for charity.
