Bar Cecil opened to friends and family (and media) on Saturday. It’s one of many new businesses that are wading into the waters of starting a venture as we come out of the pandemic. From retail to computer repair, printing and galleries, we have a plethora of new LGBTQ owned/operated businesses. When you’re looking for these businesses and others who support our communities, our LGBTQ Business Directory is the place to start for recommendations.
It’s important to not only #ShopLocal, but also think of our LGBTQ businesses first when making buying decisions. We tag each business profile with a designation of LGBTQ owned/operated and whether they are a member of the DBA, Desert Business Association. That’s our LGBTQ chamber of commerce, which also has the added benefit of certifying businesses nationally through the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC).
I bring this up after an article sent to me on why advertising to our community misses the mark. We see more and more companies recognizing the importance of the “pink dollar” and focusing their marketing efforts in that direction.
Soon, you’ll be able to answer the annual CMI LGBTQ Community Survey. Please watch for more details as you help show businesses and others in our community how you stand on a variety of topics important to us. Have a great week!
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide
#ILoveGayPalmSprings
#ILoveGayCatCity
#ShopLocal and … #WeArePalmSprings
DBA Virtual Networking Mixer
Join the Desert Business Association (DBA), the Coachella Valley’s gay business association, for a Virtual Networking Mixer on Monday, April 19 from 5:30–6:30 p.m. on Zoom. People like to do business with people they know, and this is a great way to learn more about who our local small business people are! Network with our local and diverse small businesses, and learn what issues may be impacting our small business community. Of course, there will be sharing of member-to-member successes. More info
Desert Stonewall Democrats April Meeting
Join the Stonewall Democrats for their April meeting via Zoom on Tuesday, April 20 at 6:00 p.m. The topic for this meeting is Covid-19 in the Coachella Valley – One Year Later. Hear local experts discuss: how the valley has fared with regard to racial, financial and other inequalities highlighted by the pandemic; how the vaccines have been allocated in different regions of the valley; how efforts to achieve equity are progressing; and when we might expect to emerge from pandemic restrictions. More info
Riverside County Virtual Job Fair
Riverside County is holding the very first Countywide Virtual Job Fair on Tuesday, April 20 from 9:00 a.m.–Noon. Job seekers will be able to enter specific rooms, designated by region, to search for jobs, and may choose to keep their search specific to a region or explore jobs openings in all regions of Riverside County! The platform will allow job seekers to upload their resume in advance to be prepared for potential interaction with employers using chat and 1:1 video technology. More info
Four Twenty Bank Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening
The largest dispensary and lounge in the United States, Four Twenty Bank, is opening right here in Palm Springs on Tuesday, April 20 (of course!) at 10:30 a.m. in the iconic bank building at 296 Palm Canyon Drive, at the intersection with Baristo Road. The 38,000-square foot dispensary will feature game rooms and a live music venue. Performers on Tuesday include: Alf Alfa at 11:00 a.m., then in the evening: Keisha D & Philly Joe, Derek Jordan Gregg, Johnny on the Spot, Mikole Karr and Eevan Tre’ at 7:00 p.m. More info
Gaylarious Pollen-Filled LGBT Comedy Show
In celebration of Spring, Gay Desert Guide’s Fun & Games Dept. and TheMenEvent.com present Gaylarious Pollen-Filled LGBT Comedy Show on Wednesday, April 21 at 6:00 p.m. on Zoom. The show features USA’s funniest LGBT comedians from TV, radio and comedy clubs across the country. We ALL could use some laughs right about now! Join in for an hour of laughs with some of the funniest LGBT comics in the country, you can either set the room to “Speaker View” where you can see the comic, or “Gallery View” where you can see everyone watching the show. Get tickets
Puppy & Kitten Shower Yappy Hour
Zoom in for an online Puppy and Kitten Shower Virtual Yappy Hour that benefits Animal Samaritans on Thursday, April 22 from 5:00–6:00 p.m. You and your pet are invited to play baby shower games for prizes, meet new animal loving friends, learn how newborn puppies and kittens are bottle-fed and cared for, and so much more! It’s a fun time for a great cause! Spring is puppy and kitten season and Animal Samaritans needs your help to take care of the many puppies and kittens that arrive at their no-kill shelter. More info
Time for Equality
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) presents Time for Equality on Thursday, April 22 at 4:00 p.m. The event brings together members and supporters of equality from across the country to engage with HRC in a livestream looking ahead at the crucial work necessary to set the stage for progress in ensuring equal rights for the LGBTQ community. HRC is currently working tirelessly to pass the Equality Act, which will soon head to the U.S. Senate for consideration. They are also fighting back against a multitude of anti-LGBTQ legislation in states nationwide to ensure everyone in our community is treated with dignity and respect. The event will include a virtual auction featuring contributions from across the country. Get tickets
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‘The Golden Fleece’ Staged Reading
CVRep’s Theatre Thursday and the Whittier Trust present The Golden Fleece by AR Gurney on Thursday, April 22 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom. Directed by Joanne Gordon and starring Angela Sauer and Joel Bryant, this staged reading is a funny, yet poignant comment on marriage: The tragedy of Medea’s awful revenge on her faithless husband, Jason, does not appear to fit into the world of middle-class domesticity. Betty and Bill are expecting their dear friends Medea and Jason for dinner – but Jason’s infidelity and Medea’s rage are bound to upset their dinner plans. More info
Preservation Matters 2021
The City of Palm Springs Historic Site Preservation Board presents the 6th annual Preservation Matters Symposium on Saturday, April 24 from 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. online. The theme of the symposium this year is “Restoration, Rehabilitation, Repurpose.” The video event will feature over 20 presenters from local organizations and will take you behind-the-scenes on the restoration of the Bob & Dolores Hope Residence and the Cornelia White Residence. Hear the fascinating story about the construction of the Palm Springs Aerial Tram and much more. Check out the preview video [here]. Free event. More info
Brothers of the Desert Speaker Series
For the Black community at large and for LGBTQ+ communities, it is important to hear how we can take care of our health in a pro-active and supportive way. Brothers of the Desert Speaker Series presents Preventing Chronic Conditions and COVID-19 on Saturday, April 24 from 10:00–11:30 a.m. Join Dr. Leo Moore, Medical Director for Clinic Services at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, in an interactive format presentation. He will discuss preventive screenings and other recommendations to help you reach and maintain optimal health. This is a Hybrid Event: Virtual and Live “Watch Party” for up to 25 people at The Ace Hotel and Swim Club. Free event, registration required. More info
Virtual Events at The Center
Looking for connection in this time of self-isolation? The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert continues to connect people, using the technology of group-meeting platform Zoom, which you can use on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Here’s just a taste of the programs they are hosting:
Social Caring in the Face of Quarantine with Alexis Ortega – Mondays at 11:00 a.m.
Zumba for Beginners with Shaun Samaro – Mondays at 10:00 a.m.
Managing Emotions During a Pandemic with Jill Hingston, Ph.D – Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m.
Fifty+ Fit with Lynn Simonson – Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m.
Prostate Cancer Support Group – 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 4:00 p .m.
Trans Tuesdays with Jill Hingston, Ph.D – Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Seated Wellness with Lynn Simonson – Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.
Women’s Chat with Kim Kieler – Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
Men’s Chat with Stuart Huggins – Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
LGBTQ+ Youth Virtual Hangout with Miguel Navarro – Fridays at 2:00 p.m.
Who Cares: Caregiver Support Group with Perry Wiggins – Fridays at 3:00 p.m.
Full list of The Center’s Zoom programs [here]
I Love Gay Palm Springs Podcast – Episode 93
John Taylor, comedian Shann Carr and Gay Desert Guide Brad Fuhr are joined by extra special guests: SanctuaryPalmSprings.org Development Consultant Ellen Wolf with CEO/Executive Director Rob Woronoff…Jimmy Boegle from CVIndependent.com has news….Scott Slaven has an update on the newly re-opened Palm Springs Art Museum….Nino Eilets has a new issue of TheStandardPS.com….+ Bryan Rogers, Jimmy McGill and Steve Piacenza – owners of the new dog-friendly eatery Boozehounds!
The #ILoveGayPalmSprings Podcast is broadcast on Facebook Live, Fridays at 11:00 a.m. The#ILoveGayPalmSprings Podcast is also available on Apple TV, Roku TV, Amazon, FireTV and Android devices via OutAt.tv. Tune in Friday mornings at 10:00 a.m. (or later on-demand) to stream us to your TV. You can also listen on Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio and more!
LOOKING AHEAD
Palm Springs Animal Shelter Film Festival
The Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter present an all-new fundraiser, the Palm Springs Animal Shelter Film Festival, on Saturday, April 24 from 6:30–10:00 p.m. at the Palm Springs Air Museum Drive-In Theatre with the theme: “Love at the Drive In.” This fun, safe, and innovative event will celebrate 50s drive-in culture and will feature a festival of pet-themed short films, catered meals and goodie bags delivered to each guest’s car, live music by The Gand Band, silent and live auctions, and a tribute to local animal welfare heroes. Get tickets
LUNAR at The Sonoran
On Saturday, April 24 at 5:30 p.m., The Sonoran Palm Springs will host LUNAR Art, Fashion, Music & Wine, a socially distant, COVID regulated event. The evening will feature a one-of-a-kind fashion masterpiece presentation highlighting acclaimed celebrity fashion designer David Tupaz and international fashion designers Erick Bendaña of Nicaragua, costume designers Ricardo Soltero and Inoe Vargas of Mexico and KICKA Custom Design of Sweden. Get tickets
Paint & Sip at Donya Spa
Donya Medical & Beauty Spa invites you to Paint & Sip, an afternoon of outdoor painting, spa treatments & drinking on Saturday, April 24 from 1:00–3:00 p.m. Guests enjoy a no-experience-required art class – all supplies included – directed by Pinot’s Palette, guiding guests step-by-step through a featured painting. Enjoy a beverage and spa hand treatment with your general ticket, or add a 30 min. effleurage, mini facial, and hair shaping for VIP treatment! Get tickets
A Gay Romp through Four Centuries of Opera
Gay Desert Fun & Games Dept. and TheMenEvent.com present A Gay Romp Through Four Centuries of Opera on Sunday, April 25 at 11:00 a.m. on Zoom. Join opera critic and historian Fred Plotkin for an exciting talk on opera at its most joyously queer! Opera has been about passion, drama, politics, passion, sex and more sex since its creation in 1597. It has been a “safe zone” since its beginnings in terms of personal expression of love and eros even in the face of censorship from churches and governments. This censorship, in fact, emboldened composers and librettists to be even more creative in depicting the passions of the mind and the human heart. Get tickets
Dining Out For Life 2021
Due to the Covid-related struggles restaurants have had over the last year, Dining Out For Life 2021, on Thursday, April 29, will be different: Rather than asking the restaurants to donate a portion of their proceeds, DAP Health is asking the community to support locally-owned restaurants by ordering take-out or dining-in on that day. More info
Rainbow Challenge 2021
Grab your sunscreen and join other LGBTQ folks for Stonewall Golfers’ 20th Annual Rainbow Challenge Golf Tournament, a weekend of golf at the Indian Canyons Golf Resort in Palm Springs, Saturday & Sunday, May 1 & 2. Play to compete or just casual play. Proceeds from this tournament will be donated to The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert. More info
Palm Springs Air Museum 25th Anniversary Celebration
The Palm Springs Air Museum is celebrating 25 years over three evenings: Thursday, April 29, Friday, April 30, or Saturday, May 1. Choose one date to attend for an open-air, COVID-19 compliant celebration with live entertainment by The Company Men and Wartime Radio, with drinks and hors d’oeuvres, beginning at 6:00 p.m. each night. Hosted by Joe Mantegna, admission includes a tax-deductible donation. Attendance is limited, and deadline to purchase tickets is Friday, April 23. Get tickets