For one final weekend, queer men of color took over Palm Springs for a celebration of fashion, freedom, erotic expression, and community.
SunLit Men of Color Retreat 2026 ā formerly known as Blatino Oasis ā returned to Casa Oliver Hotel & Resort from April 30 through May 3 for its farewell edition, bringing together gay, bi, and queer men of color and their admirers for a vibrant weekend centered around connection, self-expression, empowerment, and unapologetic joy.
The gay Palm Springs resort, known for blending luxury accommodations with playful, community-focused spaces designed for queer guests, provided the perfect backdrop for the retreatās final gathering.
Over the years, the retreat has built a lasting legacy by creating intentional space for men of color to embrace sexuality, healing, confidence, and community in a clothing-optional, sex-positive environment. This yearās sendoff delivered all of that energy with poolside parties, daring looks, bold personalities, and plenty of unforgettable fashion moments under the desert sun.
One of the weekendās biggest highlights was NoRal Apparelās featured runway showcase. Founded by Kentucky native and designer LaRon Hickerson, a.k.a. Ron DuWayne, the queer menās body-inclusive fashion brand returned for its 13th year with a collection full of provocative silhouettes, daring cuts, sheer fabrics, harness-inspired details, and statement-making swimwear that celebrated confidence in every form.
From backstage styling moments to striking poolside catwalk appearances, the showcase blended queer creativity, sensuality, and individuality into a fashion presentation that felt right at home at SunLitās final gathering.
Keep scrolling for a closer look inside NoRal Apparelās bold showcase at the final SunLit Men of Color Retreat.
You can learn more about NoRal Apparel at noralapparel.com and follow @noralapparel on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X.
Harnesses, mesh & main character energy š¤
Models wearing leather and studded accessories during NoRal Apparelās fashion showcase at SunLit Men of Color Retreat in Palm Springs
DTK Photography & Merrick Photography
A tattooed model wearing black mesh-inspired swimwear and boots walks during NoRal Apparelās fashion showcase at SunLit Men of Color Retreat in Palm Springs
DTK Photography & Merrick Photography
A model wearing a black mesh outfit and beaded face accessory poses backstage during NoRal Apparelās fashion showcase at SunLit Men of Color Retreat in Palm Springs
DTK Photography & Merrick Photography
A model wearing black swimwear, layered gold body chains, and sunglasses poses in front of a NoRal Apparel display at SunLit Men of Color Retreat in Palm Springs
DTK Photography & Merrick Photography
Backstage heat & fashion fantasy š„
A model holding a boombox stands beside designer LaRon Hickerson backstage during NoRal Apparelās fashion showcase at SunLit Men of Color Retreat in Palm Springs
DTK Photography & Merrick Photography
Two models wearing matching white and gold animal-print swimwear at NoRal Apparelās fashion showcase at SunLit Men of Color Retreat in Palm Springs
DTK Photography & Merrick Photography
Designer LaRon Hickerson adjusts a model wearing a deep-cut animal-print top backstage during NoRal Apparelās fashion showcase at SunLit Men of Color Retreat in Palm Springs
DTK Photography & Merrick Photography
Poolside runway moments under the Palm Springs sun š¦
A model wearing a neon pink and purple cutout bodysuit, headphones, and matching accessories poses during NoRal Apparelās fashion showcase at SunLit Men of Color Retreat in Palm Springs
DTK Photography & Merrick Photography
A model wearing a gold hooded bodysuit, sunglasses, and black boots poses poolside during NoRal Apparelās fashion showcase at SunLit Men of Color Retreat in Palm Springs
DTK Photography & Merrick Photography
A model wearing a black and red cutout bodysuit, knee-high socks, and black boots poses outdoors during NoRal Apparelās fashion showcase at SunLit Men of Color Retreat in Palm Springs
DTK Photography & Merrick Photography
