Photographs & Memories was a Jim Croce song I remember from the 1970s. As a teen, I had wide music tastes ranging from hard rock to soft rock, show tunes to the Jesus Christ Superstar soundtrack.
That Croce song stayed with me as it explores looking back at old relationships through old photographs. I was too young at the time to have any of those memories rattling around my brain. But this week, I was living that song – searching for photos of me and my classmates ahead of my 50th class reunion.
I found something else I wasn’t expecting: pictures of lost loves from the days when we still took our film into the local drugstore or photomat. My high school sweetheart – a woman – and me at prom. A man I met at a gay bar in Battle Creek and had an early fling at our cabin. The flight attendant in Cincinnati when we traveled to Denver together. A former co-worker turned girlfriend who has since passed. My partner of seven years in Chicago. And many photos of those men and women for which there was a spark but not a flame.
“Photographs and memories
All that’s left I have of you
Memories of forgotten times
And the love we used to know…”
— Jim Croce
Like Jim Croce in that song, I rely on those frozen visual moments to relive the past. The brain tries to fill in the gaps and remember the sequence: How we first met. The good times. And ultimately the break up.
My high school sweetheart won’t be at this year’s reunion, but we had a heartfelt talk at our 40th about me being gay and not able to be out. She cried thinking how difficult it must have been for me. But I assured her that in my youth I was still figuring it all out. While my crushes were boys, I truly did care about her.
We’re expecting over 100 people from my Hastings High School Class of 1976. Only a handful are known to me as LGBTQ. One, who became a good friend, is a lesbian whose mother was best friends with my grandmother. Her older sister and my mom were besties, and now we’re the third generation to share a close bond. Only in a much different way as LGBTQ friends.
The photos I bring back to share will be those of my classmates and the times we spent exploring our youth. But those I will always cherish are, as Jim Croce wrote, “the love(s) we used to know”.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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Big Bear Romp
Escape to the mountains for Big Bear Romp in Big Bear Lake, running Thursday–Sunday, August 13–16. This multi-day festival features a Friday pool party, vendor fair, luau lunch, and the Beefwitch Underwear Party. On Saturday, attendees can enjoy the Bear Soup pool party and Romp in the Dark, while Sunday wraps up the fun with drag bingo and the Last Splash pool party. All-weekend amenities include access to a game room, hot tub, and restaurant. More info
Lake Arrowhead LGBTQ+ Pride Festival
The Lake Arrowhead LGBTQ+ Pride Festival is held at Waterfront Park in Lake Arrowhead Village on Saturday, August 15. This all-inclusive, family-friendly gathering features the 2026 Pride Boat Parade and decorating contest, themed “Pride Through The Decades.” Not a boat owner? You can purchase tickets for the Arrowhead Queen Booze Cruise departing at 10 am or 11 am. Be sure to visit the main stage from 12–3 pm for spectacular drag shows and live music performances from beloved local talent. The festival also offers free activities for kids like face painting, balloon artists, and a craft station. More info
Area 29 Galactic Gathering
The 3rd Annual Area 29 Galactic Gathering lands in 29 Palms for a weekend of cosmic fun on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, August 14–16. Friday’s Otherworldly Evening at Corner 62 features theremin sensation Rocky Angel, PO Box Outerspace, Smell of Space, and Alien Autopsy for a night of interstellar sound and spectacle. On Saturday, Alien Probe features live music, space comedy, and stargazing guided by JT Astronomy Adventures — catch the dazzling Perseid Meteor Shower lighting up the desert sky! The celebration wraps Sunday with Space Jam at the Historic Plaza, a glow dance party featuring a Daft Punk tribute set by DJ MMB and live mural art by JoshR.
Clear The Shelters
Find a new four-legged companion at the Clear The Shelters adoption event at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, running Saturday–Sunday, August 15–16 from 10 am–5 pm. Enjoy a KGAY Out and About live broadcast on-site with Brad Fuhr on Saturday from 10 am–noon. This is a wonderful opportunity to adopt dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens with adoption fees fully sponsored by the Marco Colantonio Real Estate Group. The shelter is currently full, and your support helps make room for more animals in need. Come meet your new best friend and help save lives. More info
Saguaro Drag Brunch
Experience a dazzling morning of glamour and performance at the Saguaro Drag Brunch at Saffron Restaurant and Lounge on Saturday, August 15 at 11 am. During this special weekend pop-up, fabulous host Envi joins co-stars Gemini Sexton, Nebuer Styles, Mariah C. Carrie, and Jazmyn Simone to deliver an unforgettable show. Guests can enjoy delicious Persian cuisine alongside spectacular drag performances and plenty of Palm Springs sparkle. Be sure to reserve a table in advance. More info
Superfuzz Saturday Nights
Superfuzz Saturday Nights returns to CCBC Resort for an evening of poolside entertainment on Saturday, August 15 from 8 pm–12 am. The event features all-vinyl DJs spinning classic sets under the stars, surrounded by the venue’s iconic pool and resort atmosphere. Guests are invited to bring their friends, enjoy the good vibes, and grab a drink from the Runway Bar. Superfuzz Saturday also returns on Saturday, August 29. More info
80’s Music Festival
Travel back in time with the incredible 80’s Music Festival at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa on Saturday, August 15 from 8–11 pm. This electrifying concert lineup includes Strangelove, delivering a career-spanning, pitch-perfect tribute to Depeche Mode. Relive the magic of iconic hits with The Cured performing their spectacular tribute to The Cure. In addition, international tribute act Temptation will bring the house down with faithful, high-energy renditions of beloved tracks by New Order. This is a must-attend show for every 1980s music fan. More info
Taste of Summer / Rancho Mirage
Taste of Summer / Rancho Mirage moves into its final week, running through August 16 — and the fun goes even further with the Passport Game. The annual program invites residents and visitors to explore specials, cool treats, and flavorful experiences while supporting restaurants and local nonprofits. Wristbands unlock exclusive offers throughout the season, and your official passport turns the whole adventure into a delicious scavenger hunt across thirty participating restaurants. More info
Comedian Jessica Kirson
Prepare for an evening of side-splitting laughter with Jessica Kirson at the Plaza Theatre, performing Friday–Saturday, August 14–15 at 7 pm. This hilarious and dynamic lesbian comedian is renowned for her energetic performances, relatable humor, and unique blend of wit and charm. She captivates audiences by sharing personal stories and observations that resonate with everyone. More info
Splash House Weekend 2
The desert’s ultimate summer escape returns August 14–16 for Splash House Weekend 2, taking over The Saguaro, Renaissance Palm Springs, and Hilton Palm Springs. This poolside festival brings a fresh wave of energy with headliners Alison Wonderland, D.O.D, OMNOM, Prospa, Riordan, Tiga, and Whethan, plus dozens of rising acts spinning across three resorts. When the sun goes down, the party continues After Hours at the Palm Springs Air Museum, featuring Gorgon City, Jackie Hollander, SCRIPT, and TOBEHONEST. More info
Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy
The Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy invites guests into a darkly elegant world of gothic suspense at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs on Friday, August 14 with seating times at 6 pm, 8 pm, and 10 pm. This captivating ninety-minute immersive experience brings four of Poe’s most iconic tales to life through dramatic retelling by expert historians. Attendees can savor a curated tasting menu of four themed cocktails, including the Pale Blue Eye and the Cocktail of Red Death, which perfectly mirror the shadowy mood of each story. Tickets for this theatrical touring event are selling fast, so be sure to secure a spot. More info
Nominations Round Open: Best of Coachella Valley
CV Independent’s Best of Coachella Valley 2026–2027 nomination round is officially open, and now’s the moment to spotlight the local voices, stations, and personalities you love most. This early round determines who advances to the final ballot, so every nomination 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
- Dwight Yoakam comes to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa on Friday at 7 pm, bringing the power, grit, and artistry of his voice to the stage.
- Chingo Bling Comedy Show • Legendary comedian and rapper Chingo Bling brings his bold comedy style to Spotlight 29 Casino on Friday from 8–9:30 pm. Known for cultural satire, his performance promises an honest, wildly entertaining night of storytelling about Latino family life.
- Welcoming Yoga at The Center • Facilitator Marci Stonehedge leads a non-judgmental slow basic practice at the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert on Saturday from 4–5:15 pm.
- Night Swim at Palm Springs Surf Club • Poolside cocktails and live DJs set the mood on Saturday from 6–10 pm with after-hours access to the iconic pool and lazy river under the twinkling lights.
- Dance Ranch / Country Dance Saturdays • Two-step, waltz, and swing enthusiasts can gather on Saturday from 7–9:30 pm at Step by Step Dance Studio. This welcoming evening features a Whiskey River line dance lesson taught by Andrew Jimenez, followed by a fun social dance for the LGBTQ+ community and its friends.
- Ozzmania – Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath • Rock fans can celebrate the legacy of heavy metal on Saturday from 8–11 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City. Tribute band Ozzmania honors Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath by performing iconic Sabbath favorites, including “War Pigs” and “Crazy Train”.
- From Struggle to Strength • Offering an invitation to shift perspective, this meditation course runs on Sunday from 10–11:30 am at Dharmachakra Kadampa Buddhist Center.
- The Rack Pack: Weekly Men’s (Chinese) Mahjong Meet-Up • Open to players of all experience levels, a relaxed afternoon of Chinese Mahjong awaits on Sunday from 4–6 pm at ACE Hotel & Swim Club.
- A Queer Arcana: Art, Magic, and Spirit • Exploring mystical practices at Palm Springs Art Museum, this exhibition open Thursday–Sunday through October 18 showcases works of various spiritual traditions. These artistic creations highlight how magic has shaped LGBTQ+ struggles, drawing on Chicana poet Gloria Anzaldúa‘s view of spirituality as survival.
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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!
LOOKING AHEAD
Sunnylands Tour Tickets
Grab your Sunnylands Tour Tickets online for September tours, on sale Saturday, August 15 at 9 am. These popular guided tours offer a fantastic opportunity to learn about the incredible legacy of the historic estate. While visiting the beautiful gardens and center is free, these special estate tours require tickets, which sell out incredibly fast. Be online exactly at 9 am to book your tickets, as no phone or in-person sales are available. More info
- Splash House 2026
Aug 7–9 and Aug 14–16 at The Renaissance, Saguaro, Hilton, & Air Museum - Clear the Shelters
Sat.–Sun. Aug 15–16 from 10 am–5 pm at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter - Superfuzz Saturday Nights at CCBC
August 15 & 29 from 8 pm–Midnight - Hot Spot Bingo with Deven & Ned
Mondays at 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs - Summer Moon Dance Party
Fri. Aug 28 from 7–10 pm at the Palm Springs Art Museum - Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival / 2026 Blues at the Woodstock
Sep 4–5 at Hotel Zoso - Gay Days Anaheim 2026
Sep 18–20 at Disneyland Resort
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
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
WIN TICKETS to see John Summit live in Los Angeles from KGAY 103.1! Dance‑music phenom John Summit is bringing his massive CTRL ESCAPE arena tour to LA on December 12, delivering his biggest, boldest production yet. Expect a high‑impact, immersive experience as Summit transforms his boundary‑pushing album into a full‑scale arena spectacle — complete with next‑level staging, explosive energy, and the larger‑than‑life atmosphere fans crave. 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 unlock year‑round access to secret contests, special offers, and fun surprises just for members. It’s free, fast, and packed with perks for Sunny listeners — including first access to exciting station events. If you’re already a Lucky Duck, you’re automatically entered to WIN a pair of tickets to Katy Perry’s The Lifetimes Tour – Live From Paris, showing in cinemas and IMAX for a limited time September 2–5. Not a member yet? Sign up NOW to WIN!
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.
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.
