The newspapers were late today. So my morning routine at Living Out was disrupted: grab an early morning cup of Coachella Valley Coffee from the lounge, have MeTV reruns on in the background and prepare myself for a deep dive into the print editions of he New York Times, Los Angeles Times and The Desert Sun. By the end of my first cup, the news cycle has me head-shaking and my stomach upset.
So today, I pulled up my trusty Apple News feed to a story I had missed. The Onion took out a full page ad in Sunday’s New York Times with a scathing Onion ‘Editorial’ titled, “Congress, Now More Than Ever, Our Nation Needs Your Cowardice”.
The Onion has been a go-to for some of the best satire of all times since the 1980s. Among my favorite headlines: “Denver Optometrist Not Sure Why He Has a Gay Cult Following“, “Area Man Passionate Defender of What He Imagines Constitution to Be“, and “Kitten Thinks of Nothing but Murder All Day“
The Onion’s CEO, Bryce P. Tetraeder, sent copies to all members of Congress with an open letter well worth the read. Here’s an excerpt:
…our country is slipping smoothly into the warm bath of authoritarianism and oligarchy. I wish I could take credit for this, and I will. But much of the praise must go to Congress and its cowardice. I ask you to stay the course and allow The Onion’s strong, steady arm to point the way. Your capitulation will be justly rewarded with glowing press coverage and the opportunity to borrow our paperboys to do with as you wish.
Bryce P. Tetraeder, Global Tetrahedron CEO
The fake editorial ends with a Fourth of July call to inaction by Congress: “This coming Independence Day, don’t wave the Stars and Stripes, that enduring symbol of liberty and rebellion. Instead, wave the white flag of surrender.”
In these times of having to keep up with the terrible things the administration is saying or doing, I’m glad to have The Onion back in my life — and my news feed.
We have a great weekend of events for you in my blog below. ShortFest has some real gems, Queer As Folk is celebrated at its 25th anniversary and Living Out hosts an Art Walk.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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Palm Springs International ShortFest
The Palm Springs International ShortFest runs all weekend, and it’s one of North America’s largest showcases of short-form cinema! This Academy Award, BAFTA, and Goya-qualifying festival features hundreds of films from around the world, spanning genres like Animation, Documentary, and Live-Action. Enjoy curated film programs, filmmaker Q&As, and unparalleled cinematic storytelling. Best of Fest returns Monday, June 30 with a full day of audience favorites and award-winning ShortFest films from 11 am–8 pm. Secure your passes or tickets now: Get tickets
Pepper Mashay on the 25th Anniversary of Queer As Folk
Pepper Mashay brings her signature energy to one eleven bar on Sunday, June 29 from 8–10 pm, celebrating 25 years of Queer as Folk with electrifying performances of her dance-floor anthems. Hosted by The Filmmakers’ Gallery, this high-energy event promises a night of music, community, and celebration. Get tickets
Living Out Palm Springs Stonewall Day + Art Walk
Living Out Palm Springs commemorates Stonewall Day with a special celebration honoring LGBTQ+ pioneers Carl Bean, Connie Norman, Phyllis Lyon, and Dell Martin by naming their residential neighborhoods after them. The public is invited to attend starting at 2 pm; this meaningful event features an on-site Art Walk showcasing over 300 original works by LGBTQ+ artists from the Coachella Valley and beyond. Attendees can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, explore the rotating art exhibit, and connect with the community in a space dedicated to inclusivity and creativity. More info
KGAY Desert Guide Featured on “Desert Chat”
In this “Desert Chat” interview, Host Sandie Newton welcomes Brad Fuhr to reflect on the impact of Gay Desert Guide and KGAY Radio in serving the Palm Springs and Coachella Valley communities as LGBTQ+ Pride Month 2025 wraps up.
San Francisco Pride
San Francisco Pride is Saturday, June 28 & Sunday, June 29 with the theme “Queer Joy is Resistance.” The Civic Center will have a weekend full of live performances, community spaces, and an LGBTQ+ street fair featuring over 300 artists and exhibitors. On Sunday at 10 am, the iconic Pride Parade takes over Market Street, uniting over 250 contingents in a dazzling display of solidarity and celebration. More info – Also: Pride Live! Hollywood concludes their month-long celebration of events on Sunday, 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!
Little Monster’s Burlesque: A Tribute to Lady Gaga
Get ready to unleash your inner monster at Little Monster’s Burlesque: A Lady Gaga Tribute on Saturday, June 28 from 8–10 pm at Hotel Zoso. Experience a glamorous, high-energy celebration of Gaga’s iconic fashion, fierce anthems, and unapologetic self-love with sultry performances, dazzling confidence, and glitter galore. Doors open at 7 pm—come bold, proud, and fabulous for a night where everyone shines. Get tickets
80s Fest: Loverboy, The Smithereens, and Vixen
Get ready for a throwback to the ultimate ’80s rock era at 80s Fest on Saturday, June 28 at 6 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa! Loverboy will fire up the crowd with their anthems like “Working for the Weekend”, while The Smithereens deliver their classic high-energy rock sound, and Vixen—the pioneering all-female hard rock band—takes the stage with their signature power. From classic anthems to powerhouse performances, this lineup is pure nostalgia and high-energy excitement. Get tickets
Ethical Cataract Care Pledge Signing
Join Desert Vision Center for the Ethical Cataract Care Pledge Signing on Saturday, June 28 from 10–11:30 am at Hotel Paseo. Led by Dr. Keith Tokuhara, this empowering event sheds light on hidden referral kickbacks in cataract surgery—helping LGBTQ+ seniors and allies make informed healthcare choices. Don’t miss the moving “Wall of Ethics” with live pledge signings and portraits, celebrating transparency, dignity, and health with heart. More info
The Great Gatsby: A Live Radio Play
Step into the roaring twenties with The Great Gatsby: A Live Radio Play on Sunday, June 29 from 2–4 pm at Desert TheatreWorks! This 1940s-style radio broadcast brings Fitzgerald’s timeless tale to life with vintage charm, live sound effects, and a talented ensemble. Don’t miss this one-night-only event filled with champagne dreams, jazz-age intrigue, and the thrill of chasing the American Dream. Get tickets
The Little Pageant That Could
CVRep hosts the Palm Springs premiere of The Little Pageant That Could on Friday, June 27 from 7–9 pm, celebrating the legacy of L.A.’s longest-running drag benefit. Directed by John Carlos Frey, the evening includes a screening, performance by Mayhem Miller, a special appearance by Morgan McMichaels, and remarks from the director. A VIP reception hosted by Eight4Nine follows, offering guests an exclusive chance to mingle with cast, queens, and surprise guests. Get tickets
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, June 27
Food Truck Fridays | 5–10 pm in Downtown Indio
BearUnion | 8 pm–4 am at Club 541
Saturday, June 28
Animal Samaritans Adoption Event | 11 am–1 pm at PetSmart in Palm Desert
Country Dance Saturdays: Beginner Shadow with Rob Ollander-Krane | 7 pm at Step by Step
Sunday, June 29
Dolly & Friends Country Drag Brunch w/Vancie Vega | 12 pm at one eleven bar
Sunday Stomp Line Dancing | 6–10 pm at Reforma
Guided Hikes | 11 am & 1:30 pm at San Jacinto State Park (Tramway Mountain Station)
Get our Free Visitor Map & Guide
Check out our 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!
Ask a Gay Doc Episode 24: Diabetes
Dr. Renzo Corzano and KGAY’s John Taylor are answering your health-related questions in the Ask A Gay Doc series, sponsored by Desert Oasis Healthcare. In Episode 24, John and Dr. Corzano talk about the care, treatment and prevention of diabetes.
Watch the Ask a Gay Doc series, and find out how you can submit your own questions, on the Ask a Gay Doc page at kgaypalmsprings.com.
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!
- Palm Springs International ShortFest
Sat. Jun 24–Mon. Jun 30 at Festival Theaters - Living Out Palm Springs Art Walk
Sat. Jun 28 from 2–4 pm - Ethical Cataract Care Pledge Signing
Sat. Jun 28 from 10–11:30 am at Hotel Paseo - Pepper Mashay – Celebrating 25th Anniversary of Queer as Folk
Sun. Jun 29 at 8 pm at one eleven bar - All American 4th of July Weekend
Jul 3–5 at various locations around Palm Springs - Big Bear Lake – 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular
Fri. Jul 4 from 7–10 pm at Big Bear Lake - Que Calor Pool Party by SOS Entertainers
Sat. Jul 5 from 2–7 pm at The Velvet Rope - DEPTH CHARGE! PSLOD Play Party
Sat. Jul 5 from 9 pm–1:30 am in the Catacombs at Hotel Zoso - Falsettos – Presented by Palm Canyon Theatre
Jul 11–20 - Gay Wine Weekend
Jul 18–20 in Russian River Valley & Healdsburg wine region of Sonoma County - Nola at Escena – Grand Opening
Sat. Jul 19 from 8 am–10 pm at Escena Golf Club - Pride Under the Pines 2025 – Early Bird Tickets on Sale Now
Sat. Oct 4 in Downtown Idyllwild
Charles Barenbrugge is a broker and certified Probate & Trust Specialist with over 36 years real estate experience in Illinois and California. Working with clients in Coachella Valley and Beverly Hills since 2017, he is experienced in both commercial and residential properties. Clients benefit from his signature marketing package—including 3D Matterport tours, custom photography, floor plans, and dedicated property webpages. Learn more
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
Catch Modgirl behind the decks Friday, June 27 at 7 pm for Women in the Mix at Thompson Palm Springs, with irresistible beats all night long!
KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 has your chance to WIN front-row seats to the hilarious and fast-paced Hot Spot Trivia with Deven Green & Handsome Ned! Listen to John Taylor on KGAY every Monday morning for the trivia question, then head to the KGAY Contest Page to enter your answer. Winners get reserved front-row seating in the Cascade Lounge at Agua Caliente Casino, where you’ll play digital trivia and compete for exciting prizes! Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page
Swirl, sip, and celebrate in style: Gay Wine Weekend returns to Sonoma County from July 18–20, bringing vineyard tours, winemaker dinners, and dazzling T-Dances to the most luxurious LGBTQ+ summer event! KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 want you to WIN VIP PASSES! Stop by a participating sponsor to get a code and enter to win priority seating, exclusive event access, and a stay at The Lodge at Healdsburg. Learn More and Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page
Win the ultimate summer escape with KGAY 106.5 & 92.1! Enter to win a Lola Rose Swim Club membership plus a two-night stay at Thompson Palm Springs, with your VIP pass to poolside lounging, weekend yoga, and exclusive perks. Enjoy daily access to the pool and gym, 10% off food and drinks, and guest passes to share the fun—all summer long! Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page
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 Songs from Artists that never hit #1… this Sunday morning at 9 am. Brought to you by The Skylark Bar at the Skylark hotel. Listen in your car, at work, at home or around the world, online at 1031metvfm.com or tell Alexa, “Open 103.1 MeTV FM”
- Pride Month Marches On, Despite Frustration and Worry From LGBTQ Community Over Government Actions
- Restaurant News Bites: The Return of the SUN Bucks Program; the Return of Indio’s Burger Box; and More!
- CVRep’s Summer Cabaret Series – By Stephen Radosh
- The Dinah, the Biggest Party for Lesbian and Queer Women, to End After 34 Years. Its Founder Shares Why
- More Books for Pride Month
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.