Pee-wee Herman — aka Paul Reubens — was going into the closet about the time that I was coming out. Pee-wee as Himself, an HBO Original two-part documentary debuted last Friday on HBO and Max. As I watched the first part of the documentary, I got to thinking about my journey.
I was ‘sequestered’ in a small resort town in Northern Michigan in the late 80s/early 90s about the time he was arrested in Florida for indecent exposure at an adult movie theatre. I had just come out to my family (via a letter!) and was learning more about “gay culture”.
(KGAY program director and afternoon host Chris Shebel and I were part of a secret society called “Friends of Dorothy”, made up of radio and music industry people that met at gay bars during conventions for Billboard Magazine and the like. We have stories to tell, but that’s for another day!)
So while Paul developed his alter ego Pee-wee Herman, I was figuring out mannerisms, cover ups and living my own secret life. In coming out, I was able to start to shed that old persona and become the gay man I am today.
Paul believed that being openly gay would have negatively impacted his mainstream success, especially as a children’s entertainer. I had those same fears for my radio career. But in watching the show each Saturday morning, I couldn’t imagine that he wasn’t gay! He was a role model for me – in an odd way.
I met Paul years later at the home of AirAmerica morning host Stephanie Miller when I ran KTLK radio in Los Angeles. She was hosting a party at her home in Griffith Park and there he was. By then, it was no secret that he was gay. The film chronicles what a long strange trip it was from hanging out with circus performers to a universally beloved persona that defined him for life.
As we start June, Pride month, we celebrate icons, influencers and idioms in our world. Some, like Harvey Milk, have a profound influence on politics and our movement. Some, like Paul Reubens, helps us see ourselves for who we are — that little kid filled with wonder about a world like Pee-wee’s Playhouse.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week
Indulge in the ultimate culinary experience during Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week, running May 30–June 8. Discover special prix fixe menus and exclusive dishes at top restaurants across the Coachella Valley. Presented by Visit Greater Palm Springs, this ten-day celebration is your chance to savor local flavors while supporting the community. Find Food Bank remains the proud beneficiary—so you can dine out for a cause! More info
Dazzling Divas Cabaret Fundraiser for PSGMC
Celebrate the dazzling divas of Broadway and Hollywood with the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus at their Dazzling Divas Cabaret Fundraisers on Sunday, June 1. Enjoy two fabulous shows at La Cocina at Reforma: the first show is at 2:30 pm (doors/brunch 1:00 pm) with KGAY’s John Taylor as Master of Ceremonies. The second show is at 7 pm (doors/dinner 5:30 pm), featuring Ethylina Canne as Mistress of Ceremonies. Don’t miss live auctions with exciting items like a Galapagos Expedition Cruise. Get tickets
Home Movies Out of the Closet
Celebrate the start of Pride Month with Home Movies Out of the Closet: LGBTQ+, Hollywood, Palm Springs, and You on Sunday, June 1 from 3–9 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center! The afternoon kicks off with a free film preservation session from 3–5:30 pm, where experts will assess home movies and provide storage and digitization recommendations. At 6:30 pm, enjoy a screening of rarely seen LGBTQ+ footage, including home movies of Hollywood stars and works by filmmaker Pat Rocco featuring Palm Springs and Los Angeles, in collaboration with UCLA Library Film & Television Archive. The evening wraps up with a lively reception from 8–9 pm. Get tickets
Pride Month Begins with WeHo Pride
Kick off Pride Month by celebrating love, diversity, and community at WeHo Pride, Friday, May 30–Sunday, June 1, in and around West Hollywood Park. This three-day extravaganza features a free Street Fair, Women’s Freedom Festival, the annual Dyke March, and the vibrant WeHo Pride Parade, alongside the OUTLOUD Music Festival headlined by Lizzo, Lil Nas X, Honey Dijon, Paris Hilton, and Kim Petras. Catch DJ Modgirl spinning celebratory beats at WeHo Pride on Sunday, June 1 at 4 pm at Micky’s WeHo! (and pick up a free copy of our new Summer 2025 Map & Guide next door at Block Party boutique).
Up next for Pride Month: join LA Pride! Pride Marches On on Sunday, June 8, for Los Angeles’ original and iconic celebration with the parade stepping off at 11 am on Hollywood Boulevard. Pride Live! Hollywood takes center stage Wednesday, June 11–Sunday, June 29, with a month-long celebration of LGBTQ+ storytelling, exclusive screenings, lively conversations, rooftop parties, dance parties, and family-friendly events. Further north, Sacramento Pride is set for June 14 & 15, on Capitol Mall, with a Pride March on Sunday, June 15 at 11 am. The 55th annual San Francisco Pride Celebration, themed “Queer Joy is Resistance is June 28 & 29 at Civic Center, culminating in the renowned Pride Parade on Sunday, June 29 at 10 am. And next month, mark your calendars for San Diego Pride, San Diego’s biggest celebration of diversity and inclusion, at Balboa Park on July 19 & 20!
Lea Michele Live
Lea Michele takes the stage at the McCallum Theatre on Friday, May 30 from 8–10 pm, fresh from her triumphant Carnegie Hall performance. Known for her breakout role on Glee and her acclaimed turn as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl, Michele brings her powerhouse vocals and Broadway charm to Palm Springs for one special night. Get tickets
Art Walk at the Riviera
Immerse yourself in the vibrant Palm Springs art scene at the Art Walk at the Riviera Resort & Spa on Friday, May 30 from 6:30–9:30 pm. This free event, open to the public, showcases an eclectic mix of paintings by renowned local artists in the resort’s lobby and Starlite Lounge. Enjoy the opportunity to meet the artists, learn about their creative processes, and experience the incredible artistry that defines our region, complete with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and live music. More info
The Beverly Hills Peace Talks
Step back into a captivating moment in history with The Beverly Hills Hotel Peace Talks by CVRep, running May 21–June 1. The story was inspired by a real-life 1968 incident—when the casting of Funny Girl sparked tensions between Israel and Egypt. In this fictionalized scenario, a movie executive and a publicity expert host an impromptu peace talk with an Israeli and an Egyptian diplomat, and as debates unfold, unexpected romance blooms, mirroring the film’s narrative. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh praises the clever blend of historical events, Hollywood drama, and personal diplomacy, with strong performances and thought-provoking themes of loyalty, identity, and reconciliation. Read his full review and Get tickets
Deal With The Dragon
Experience the critically acclaimed Deal With The Dragon, presented by Desert Ensemble Theatre and TigerBear Productions, running May 29–June 8 at Palm Springs Cultural Center. In this darkly camp, one-man fairy tale, Kevin Rolston masterfully embodies three characters as he unravels a tale of ambition, obsession, and the personal demons we confront. Lauded as “truly bravura” by the Edinburgh Guide, this sophisticated fable delivers intrigue, humor, and captivating storytelling. Get tickets
PSLOD Desert Smoke 2025
Escape for a relaxing weekend designed for cigar and pipe enthusiasts at PSLOD Desert Smoke, hosted by the Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert. From Friday, May 30–Sunday, June 1, gather poolside at the all-men’s, pet-friendly Canyon Club Hotel in Palm Springs. Enjoy the warm nights, amazing views, and kick back with brother enthusiasts during this “CHILL” weekend featuring optional planned activities. Get tickets
Becky Robinson – Members Only Tour
Get ready for a night of unfiltered comedy and outrageous characters as Becky Robinson brings her Members Only Tour to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa on Friday, May 30 at 8 pm. Known for her viral “Entitled Housewife” persona, Becky’s high-energy, multi-character performances have captivated audiences nationwide. Don’t miss this hilarious, fast-paced show: Get tickets
MAD.KAT Season-End Closing Reception
Celebrate the season-ending closing reception of YOU THINK I’M PSYCHO, DON’CHA MAMA? at MAD.KAT Gallery on Saturday, May 31, from 5–8 pm. This stunning exhibition showcases 18 world-class artists exploring the surreal, unreal, and hyperreal, with works from Dubai, Bangkok, Madrid, and beyond. Meet seven artists in attendance and experience MAD.KAT’s final event of the season. More info
ABBA Under the Stars – The Ultimate Tribute
ABBA Under The Stars is on Saturday, May 31 from 6–8 pm at Saguaro Palm Spring. Enjoy a glittering, disco-fueled tribute featuring powerhouse vocals, stunning live performances, and all the ABBA hits you know and love—from “Dancing Queen” to “Waterloo”! With drinks, dancing, and dazzling desert vibes, this evening is the ultimate ABBA experience under the stars. Get tickets
Private Tours of The Shag House
Step into The Shag House for a private tour with Brandon, where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into a life-size Shag painting! Explore every vibrant, retro-inspired corner at your own pace—just you and your guests, no crowds. Select a date from now through Sunday, June 15 and experience the magic behind the green gates in this fully immersive space! Get tickets
AIDS LifeCycle 2025 – The Final Ride
Thousands of cyclists will take part in the Final Ride of AIDS/LifeCycle from Sunday, June 1–Saturday, June 7. This 545-mile journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles raises vital funds for HIV/AIDS services while bringing together a passionate community dedicated to ending the epidemic. Since 1994, riders have raised over $300 million for programs benefiting the Los Angeles LGBT Center and San Francisco AIDS Foundation. More info
Forever Marilyn Community Celebration
Celebrate Marilyn Monroe’s 99th birthday at the Forever Marilyn Community Celebration on Sunday, June 1 from 4–6 pm at Downtown Park, Palm Springs! Hosted by Vanity Halston, enjoy music, birthday treats, and a Marilyn Monroe look-alike contest with prizes. Snap a picture with the iconic 26-foot Forever Marilyn statue, now permanently home in Palm Springs. More info
Contact in the Desert
Discover the mysteries of the universe at Contact In The Desert, the world’s largest UFO and UAP conference, happening Thursday, May 29–Monday, June 2 at Renaissance Esmeralda Resort in Indian Wells. Featuring over 120 lectures, workshops, and panels, this year’s Event Horizon theme brings together leading experts in space exploration, AI, ancient civilizations, and government disclosure, with keynote speaker Josh Gates and a fascinating talk from Dr. Diane Hennacy Powell on telepathy research. Get tickets
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, May 30
Food Truck Fridays | 5–10 pm in Downtown Indio
Saturday, May 31
A Missing Part (France/Belgium) One-Time Only Film Screening | 10 am at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Together We Grow: A Fundraiser for King’s Circle | 5:30–8 pm at Budman Studio
The Dirty Show – Totally Psychic Summer! | 7 pm at Dietlart Gallery and Performance Space
Country Dance Saturdays: Sweetheart Cha Cha with Andrew Jimenez | 7 pm at Step by Step
Yacht Rock the Dock feat. Ambrosia | 8 pm at The Show
Sunday, June 1
The Lucie Arnaz Awards | 4 pm at Musical Theatre University, Rancho Mirage
Get our Free Visitor Map & Guide
Check out just-released Summer 2025 Edition of the K-Gay Desert Guide Visitor Map & Guide! To help you find everything you need as a visitor or local, we feature the top places for Food & Drink, Nightlife, Shopping, Attractions, Gay Resorts with passes, Dispensaries, and other services. Look for the latest edition at businesses and newsstands around town, or browse it online right here!
Click below to sign up for our Gay Desert Guide Oasis Insiders Newsletter to get our Weekly Blog, Top 3 Events for the weekend, Hot Deals and Cool Events all delivered to your inbox every Friday!
- Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week
May 30–Jun 8 at restaurants throughout the Coachella Valley - Home Movies Out of the Closet
Sun. Jun 1 at 3 pm (Expert Advice), 6:30 pm (Screening), 8 pm (Reception) - Art Walk at the Riviera Resort & Spa
Fri. May 30 from 6:30–9:30 pm - Straight From Carnegie Hall: Lea Michele Live
Fri. May 30 at 8 pm at the McCallum Theatre - The Beverly Hills Hotel Peace Talks, presented by CVRep
May 21–Jun 1 - Deal with the Dragon, from DET and Tiger Bear Productions
May 29–Jun 8 - Private Tours of The Shag House
Through Sun. Jun 1 - Big Gay BBQ
Sat. Jun 14 from 3–10 pm in the Arenas District - Surf City Allstars – Beach Boys Tribute Band
Sat. Jun 21 from 7:30–9 pm at Riviera Palm Springs
KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 FM
The KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 Retro Lunch airs Monday through Friday from noon–1 pm, with DJ Galaxy (Vincent Corrales) and DJ Eric Ornelas playing an hour of their high-energy throwback mixes. On Sundays, we put all five hours together for the Retro Sunday Brunch from 11 am–4 pm. Perfect party music! The KGAY 106.5 Sunday Tea Dance with Modgirl airs every Sunday from 4–6 pm (right after the Retro Brunch). All our DJs took honors in the Best of Coachella Valley this year! Listen to KGAY 106.5 online
THIS SUNDAY: Catch DJ Modgirl spinning celebratory beats at WeHo Pride on Sunday, June 1 at 4 pm at Micky’s WeHo! (and pick up a free hard copy of our new Summer 2025 Map & Guide next door at Block Party boutique).
To listen to KGAY Palm Springs via Alexa, say “Alexa ENABLE K. Gay Palm Springs SKILL” (include “SKILL”) or manually enable it in the Alexa app or at Amazon. Once enabled, access the station by saying “Alexa, OPEN,” “LAUNCH,” or “PLAY K. Gay Palm Springs.” You can also make special requests, such as birthday shoutouts or song dedications! Happy streaming! Learn more
103.1 MeTV FM
103.1 MeTV FM plays a Timeless and Memorable variety of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s with a touch of the ’50s! Steve Goddard will bring you Timeless and Memorable ONE HIT WONDERS this Sunday morning at 9 am on 103.1 MeTV fm, brought to you by The Skylark Bar at the Skylark hotel. You can listen to 103.1 MeTV FM everywhere: In your car, at work, at home or around the world, online at 1031metvfm.com or tell Alexa, “Open 103.1 MeTV FM” Listen online
103.1 MeTV FM wants you to WIN TICKETS to see The Surf City Allstars at the Riviera Resort & Spa on Saturday, June 21 at 7:30 pm! The #1 Beach Boys tribute band will deliver iconic hits like “California Girls” and “Surfin’ USA”, bringing sun-soaked harmonies and California cool to this rockin’ beachside bash. Enter to WIN on the 103.1 MeTV FM Contest Page
- Palm Springs’s Rene Hebert Wins 2025 IML Contest
- World Pride Summer Fun in Washington, DC
- Restaurant News Bites: Get Ready for the Firefighters’ Fish Fry; Papa Dan’s, D’Coffee Bouteaque Make Progress; and More!
- 16-Foot-Tall Cactus Made of Vintage Cadillac Parts Celebrates Palm Springs Heritage
- Word of the Week: How ‘Pride’ Shifted from Vice to a Symbol of LGBTQ Empowerment
Find out what’s happening on any given day by browsing our Gay Desert Guide Online Event Listing Calendar, and for the big picture, take a look at major upcoming events in our 2025 Coachella Valley Calendar of Events.
Listen to KGAY 106.5 and 92.1 over the air, stream it [here], or listen on iHeart Radio with Alexa or Siri by saying “Play K-GAY 106 5 .” John Taylor is on mornings 6–10 am and program director Chris Shebel is on afternoons. Our Retro Lunch with DJ Galaxy and DJ Eric Ornelas is heard on Sundays as the Retro Lunch & Sunday Brunch from 11 am–4 pm, followed by Modgirl spinning the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance from 4–6 pm.