Dolly’s death hit everyone hard. The tributes continue to pour in. What was it about this lil’ old country gal that made her universally loved and respected?
Loved because she was love. It was unconditional, and provided the Christian right some things to reflect on about their beliefs against our LGBTQ+ community that Dolly flipped on their proverbial heads.
Josh Helfgott wrote in his Facebook tribute: “In 2023, as Tennessee lawmakers pushed through a stack of anti-trans laws and tried to ban drag performances in public, Parton said trans people cannot help being trans “any more than I can help being Dolly Parton. I just want everybody to be treated good,” she said. To the Christians who came after her for it, she had already answered: “If you’re the fine Christian that you think you are, why are you judging people? That’s God’s job.””
I’d forgotten about her Imagination Library. It has mailed more than 310 million free books to children. She created the project for her father, Robert Lee Parton, who could neither read or write. When I heard the audio that was sent to each child, it brought a tear to my eye. The book lady wasn’t a country superstar, she was a human being concerned about the education of other humans.
Don’t think you were the first to think why this 80 year old was taken from us. The contrast between dirt poor Dolly and silver spoon Donald couldn’t be greater. Dolly should have been president. She had the business acumen, the temperament and the wisdom that would have served our country well.
In 2009, Dolly Parton spoke to 60 Minutes’ Morley Safer about how being underestimated helped her gain respect in business. “I look like a woman, but I think like a man,” the country music star said. “And in this world of business that has helped me a lot. Because by the time they think that I don’t know what’s going on, I done got the money and gone.”
It’s a cute quote, but Dolly was principled and wouldn’t have us in a constant mode of retribution and retaliation. But here we are. Dolly Parton has left the earth at age 80. She believes she was going to heaven to be with her maker. But she didn’t push those beliefs on others.
Our KGAY DJ Galaxy put together a wonderful tribute hour on Wednesday’s Retro Lunch show. We’ll repeat it Sunday at 1 pm during the KGAY Retro Sunday Brunch. I hope you’ll take a listen. Dolly Parton’s music will make you grin one minute, and bring you to tears the next. Shedding tears for a life well lived is a good thing. Remembering her legacy and following in her footsteps is something for each of us to aspire to.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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Pool Party for a Cause: Tiki Night
Pool Party for a Cause: Tiki Night splashes into Palm Springs Surf Club on Friday, August 28 from 7–10 pm, serving tropical vibes with a purpose. Expect a lively night of summer energy, refreshing drinks, and great company, all soundtracked by a poolside set from DJ Galaxy. With a festive Tiki theme and plenty of room to dance, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a warm desert night while supporting the Palm Springs Animal Shelter — all proceeds benefit their lifesaving work. More info
Summer Moon Dance Party
Celebrate the season’s final full moon at the Summer Moon Dance Party at Palm Springs Art Museum on Friday, August 28 from 7–10 pm. This after‑hours adventure blends live DJs, immersive art, cocktails, and performances inspired by release, renewal, and lunar energy. Featured DJ BROWNSKINHAZEL brings an electrifying mix of Baile Funk, Vogue Beats, Techno, Reggaeton, and club sounds rooted in LA’s queer underground. VIP guests can choose a mystical add‑on — an aura portrait or tarot reading — while artist Yulissa Mendoza debuts a one‑night‑only installation. Temporary tattoos by Cesar Omar Garcia round out the fun. More info
6th Annual Dogust Birthday Bash + Bingo
The 6th Annual DOGust Birthday Bash + Bingo brings tail‑wagging fun to the Kimpton Rowan Hotel on Saturday, August 29 from 11 am–1 pm. Dog lovers and their pups can celebrate together with bingo, games, prizes, and a cheerful community atmosphere. It’s a playful midday event designed for furry friends of all ages, offering a chance to socialize while supporting Animal Samaritans’ mission to save lives and find loving homes for pets across the Coachella Valley. More info
Final Day to Nominate : Best of Coachella Valley
CV Independent’s Best of Coachella Valley 2026–2027 nomination round is just about to close, and now’s the moment to spotlight the local voices, stations, and personalities you love most. Nominations determine who advances to the final ballot, so every vote truly counts. Our contenders this year include KGAY 103.1, Sunny 106.5, and MeTV FM 92.1 for Best Radio Station; John Taylor, E.J. Tyler, Patrick Evans, and Chris Shebel for Best Local Radio Personality; and our powerhouse DJ trio — DJ Galaxy, DJ Eric Ornelas, and MODGIRL — for Best Local DJ. Nominations are open through Friday, August 28, so cast your picks and lift your favorites into the spotlight! Nominate Today
The Fixx with The Plimsouls
The Fixx take the stage at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage on Saturday, August 29 from 8–10:30 pm, delivering a night of sleek, synth‑driven modern rock. Fans can expect iconic hits like “One Thing Leads to Another,” “Red Skies,” “Saved by Zero,” and “Are We Ourselves?” Special guests The Plimsouls bring their power‑pop sound, including the timeless favorite “A Million Miles Away.” More info
Superfuzz Saturday Nights at CCBC
Superfuzz Saturday Nights returns to CCBC Resort on Saturday, August 29 from 8 pm–midnight, offering an all‑vinyl DJ experience under the stars. Guests can dance poolside to classic vinyl sets from top DJs while enjoying CCBC’s signature resort atmosphere. With drinks from Runway Bar and a lively summer crowd, it’s a relaxed, music‑driven night perfect for friends and fun. More info
A Disco Affair
Music lovers can lose themselves in the rhythm during A Disco Affair at The Saguaro Palm Springs on Friday, August 28 from 8 pm–12 am. This monthly vinyl listening and dance party celebrates the iconic sounds that shaped underground dance culture, featuring an incredible hand-mixed blend of disco, boogie, Italo, funk, synth rarities, and left-field club records. Inspired by the legendary early 1980s spirit of The Loft and Paradise Garage, the night offers a welcoming dance floor centered on openness and discovery. More info
Lesbian & Queer Women’s Tea Dance & Pool Party
The Lesbian & Queer Women’s Tea Dance & Pool Party brings a festive afternoon to Arrive Hotel on Sunday, August 30 from 2–6 pm. Expect dancing, swimming, sunshine, and community vibes as lesbians and queer women gather for a splashy social event. With a welcoming crowd and a relaxed poolside setting, it’s an easygoing way to close out the weekend and connect with friends old and new. More info
- Amigos CV • Latino men gather for a peer-led support group discussing health, masculinity, and cultural identity on Friday from 6–8 pm at The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert.
- Gretchen Wilson • Country star Gretchen Wilson brings her gorgeously rough-edged rock-and-roll spirit to the stage on Friday from 8–11 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa.
- InBody Retro • Older adults will get moving with a fun, low-impact workout on Saturday from 10:45–11:45 am at The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert. This dance-based fitness program is thoughtfully designed for adults in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and older.
- Night Swim at Palm Springs Surf Club • Attendees will enjoy the ultimate after-hours pool party with live DJs and specialty cocktails under the lights on Saturday from 6–10 pm at the Palm Springs Surf Club. Guests can swim in the pool or float down the lazy river.
- Dance Ranch / Country Dance Saturdays • Dance Ranch hosts an exciting night of country western dancing, including two-step, waltz, and line dancing, on Saturday from 7–9:30 pm at Step by Step Dance Studio. Instructor Kyle Young will lead attendees in a Champagne Promise line dance lesson.
- A Dustyland Fairytale – A Tribute to The Killers • Celebrate the anthemic sound, driving guitars, and synth-rock energy of The Killers on Saturday from 8–11 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City. Fans will hear live performances of iconic favorites like “Mr. Brightside” and “Somebody Told Me.”
- Selena Tribute • The Selena tribute band Anything for Salinas performs a high-energy live concert for The Desert Hot Springs “Desert Nights on the BLVD” concert series on Saturday from 6–10 pm at Desert Hot Springs City Hall.
- Desert Sound Sessions at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs • DEN Meditation partners to launch a wellness series promoting deep relaxation and mindfulness on Sunday from 9:45–11 am at the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel. Each session begins with tea and community gathering before settling into a guided sound journey.
- Kinky Boots – The Musical • The dazzling movie musical Kinky Boots comes to the screen direct from the London stage on Sunday from 7–10 pm at the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre. This fabulously sassy show features songs by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, direction by Jerry Mitchell, and a book by Harvey Fierstein.
- A Queer Arcana: Art, Magic, and Spirit • An intergenerational group of artists explores how magic, spirituality, and esoteric knowledge have shaped queer art and culture; Thursday–Sunday at Palm Springs Art Museum.
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Pet Star 2027 Photo Contest
Furry, feathered, and scaly companions across the Coachella Valley can shine in the spotlight during the annual Pet Star 2027 Photo Contest running now through September 30. This fundraiser by Greater Palm Springs Animal Allies invites pet owners to submit photos for a $25 fee in five categories to support Palm Springs Animal Shelter, Desert Wildlife Center, and Desert Community Animal Center. Entrants can submit multiple pets and rally votes for $1 each, with a five-vote minimum. The top vote-getter becomes the 2027 Pet Star Champion on the calendar cover, while other top-ranking pets are featured inside. Supporters can preorder calendars or reserve special dates for $20. More info
SAY KGAY to Save on Rivalry Merch
Ride the Heated Rivalry wave with a fresh batch of themed T‑shirts now available through the Pride Store. Some designs rep your favorite fictional teams from the show, while others turn up the temperature with bolder, more provocative takes. Pick your style, show your fandom, and save 10% storewide at checkout with promo code SAYKGAY – Shop Now
Summer 2026 Visitor Map & Guide – FREE!
Check out the Summer 2026 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, all curated to make exploring the valley even easier. Look for the latest edition at businesses and newsstands around town, as well as at hotels, visitor centers, and participating sponsors, or view it online.
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!
- Pool Party for a Cause: Tiki Night
Fri. Aug 28 from 7–10 pm at Palm Springs Surf Club - Summer Moon Dance Party
Fri. Aug 28 from 7–10 pm at the Palm Springs Art Museum - Superfuzz Saturday Nights at CCBC
August 29 from 8 pm–Midnight - Hot Spot Bingo with Deven & Ned
Mondays at 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs - Greater Palm Springs Spa Month
Sep 1–30 at participating Coachella Valley spas - Chicago & Styx: The Windy Cities Tour
Wed. Sep 2 at 7 pm - Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival / 2026 Blues at the Woodstock
Sep 4–5 at Hotel Zoso - KGAY Big SPLASH Pool Party | Support Your Station
Fri. Sep 11 from 7–10 pm at the Palm Springs Surf Club - Palm Springs Gay Softball League (PSGSL) New Player Clinics
Sat. & Sun. Sep 12 & 13 at 9 am at Demuth Park - Nights on the Oasis Trail
Thu. Sep 17, from 6–9 pm at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum - Gay Days Anaheim 2026
Sep 18–20 at Disneyland Resort - CVRep 2026–27 Season – Tickets on Sale Now
October 2026–March 2027 - PS Leather Pride | 2026 Valhalla
Oct 29–Nov 1 at Hotel Zoso, CCBC, Dick’s, The Eagle, Toolshed
KGAY 103.1 FM
The KGAY 103.1 Retro Lunch airs Monday through Friday from noon–1 pm, with DJ Galaxy (Vincent Corrales) and DJ Eric Ornelas playing an hour of their nonstop 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 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 103.1 online
This Weekend: On Friday, August 28 from 7–10 pm, DJ Galaxy turns up the heat at Pool Party for a Cause: Tiki Night.
KGAY 103.1 is giving you the chance to score VIP GOLD passes to Gay Days Anaheim, September 18–20, 2026 — the ultimate way to experience the weekend’s biggest entertainment. Enjoy the Kingdom dance party with DJ Paulo Ramirez, Alyssa Edwards’ “Once Upon a Tongue Pop”, your choice of Y2J or Diva Worship, two meet‑and‑greets, comedy from Zach Noe Towers, Drag Queen Bingo with Kay Sedia, the VIP cocktail party, and a loaded VIP gift bag. Enter to WIN on the KGAY 103.1 Contest Page
Sunny 106.5 FM
Take the sunshine indoors with the Sunny 106.5 Alexa skill — just tell Alexa to “enable Sunny Palm Springs Radio skill” and the brightest variety will be one voice command away at home or at work. Sunny 106.5 is the Coachella Valley’s new home for feel‑good hits from the ’90s, 2000s, and beyond, blending familiar favorites with local updates and weekday weather from Patrick Evans. Play Sunny 106.5 Online
Join the Sunny 106.5 Lucky Duck Club and you’ll get access to secret contests, sweet offers, surprises and more! Next up (starting Monday) the featured reward is all about treating yourself: Lucky Ducks have the chance to win The Body Deli’s Palm Springs Collection Mini Kit, packed with luxe essentials including hand and body wash, bath and body oil, lotion, shampoo and conditioner. 👉 Sign up now
MeTV 92.1 FM
MeTV FM is officially back on the Coachella Valley dial — and there’s never been a better time to tune in. Broadcasting from Palm Springs, 92.1 MeTV FM delivers a “radio gold mine” of timeless, memorable music you won’t hear anywhere else: over 3,500 songs, more than 350 played every day with no repeats. From deep tracks to softer favorites spanning the ’50s through the ’80s, plus themed shows and beloved classics, this one‑of‑a‑kind format is ready to soundtrack your day.
- Palm Springs Restaurant News: Taste of Palm Springs, Yozu Asian Bistro & New Openings
- Badass Women of Blues Lead Blues at the Woodstock in Palm Springs
- 20 Must‑Try International Restaurants in Greater Palm Springs
- Local Performance Venues Launch Fall Season of Shows, Classes and Community Events
- Palm Springs Fall Travel Guide: Pride, The Dinah, Spa Month and LGBTQ+ Hotspots
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 2026-27 Coachella Valley Calendar of Events.
Listen to KGAY over the air, stream it [here], or listen on iHeart Radio with Alexa or Siri by saying “Play K-G-A-Y” 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.
This Way Out, the award‑winning weekly LGBTQ radio program, airs every Sunday at 6:30 a.m. on KGAY 103.1 and is also available on‑demand via our streaming player under Menu>Streams>Podcasts. As the only internationally distributed LGBTQ radio show, it airs on about 200 community stations worldwide and delivers global queer news, reporting, interviews, and cultural features.
