MLK Day 2021 starts a very political week for our country. We started the celebration last Friday with comedian Shann Carr and the Fun & Games Dept.’s Friday happy hour to kick off inauguration week. Normally there would be many celebrations around the country, but with the insurgence and the pandemic, events have been muted.
See our roundup of events below for local activities and events this week.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide
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MLK Day ‘We Shall Overcome’ Sing-a-Long
The Brothers of the Desert and Stonewall Ministries along with KGAY 106.5 FM, and Blackbook Bar & Kitchen invite the Greater Palm Springs LGBTQ+ Community and Allies to observe the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Holiday on Monday, January 18 at 4:00 p.m. On tap: introductions from Brothers of the Desert Officers Tim Vincent and Eric Davis and words of praise from Pastor Nathan Sobers of Stonewall Ministries, plus a special musical performance by Keisha D singing “Strange Fruit” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Join a group sing-a-long to the classic anthem “We Shall Overcome” and end with thoughts and reflections from some of our community members. More info
Also for MLK Day: Palm Springs residents Alfred Casuso and David Perry are lighting up LED-powered palm trees in front of their home in the colors of Dr. King’s birth state, Georgia: Red, Gold & Blue. This kicks off an ever-changing palette of colors they will employ to commemorate important days throughout the year, which they hope will inspire neighbors and local governments, to take up the idea and light up various iconic buildings throughout the Coachella Valley. More info
Presidential Inauguration Week
This week feels like it’s been a long time coming! The Presidential Inauguration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and Kamala D. Harris on Wednesday, January 20, will be impossible to miss, with events streaming on bideninaugural.org as well as all major TV networks, cable news, YouTube, Facebook…and more. The ceremonies begin at 7:00 a.m. PST, with the swearing-in at 9:00 a.m. PST. That evening, the Celebrating America Primetime Special, hosted by Tom Hanks, will air across the same networks from 5:30–7:00 p.m. PST. There are also events leading up to the big day: On Monday, January 18 you can volunteer and participate in the National Day of Service [more info] and at 5:00 p.m. PST, join a livestream celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Remember and honor the lives lost to COVID-19 on Tuesday, January 19 at 2:30 p.m. PST. in a ceremony including a lighting around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and a national moment of unity and remembrance. More info on all official Presidential Inauguration events [here]
Recognizing our Valley’s Diverse Businesses with DBA
The Desert Business Association (DBA) invites all of the Coachella Valley’s small and diverse businesses to join their virtual mixer on Monday, January 18 from 5:30–7:00 p.m. to share information about their businesses, products, and services. On this day of celebrating the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (his birthday is actually January 15), and in his honor, the DBA brings all businesses together to share their offerings to our communities, with general information and sharing, too. Grab your beverage and learn more about our local businesses. More info
Desert Stonewall Democrats January Meeting
The January General Meeting of the Desert Stonewall Democrats will take place on Zoom on Tuesday, January 19 at 6:00 p.m. Get to know your elected officials and hear from several of our local endorsed, elected candidates on their plans and ideas to address LGBTQ issues and challenges in their communities and how the Desert Stonewall Democrats, as a club, can support their initiatives. New Year business also includes election of candidates for Treasurer, Secretary and Steering Committee. More info
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THIS WEEKEND: Bears and Bowties Virtual Speed Dating
Roar! It’s a bear party and all are invited! Gay Desert Guide’s Fun & Game Dept. and TheMenEvent.com present Bowties & Bears Brunch Speed Dating with Alexander Rodriguez on Sunday, January 24 at 1:00 p.m. on Zoom. Bears, cubs, otters, pandas, wolves, and even salmon are invited to put on your best bow tie and join us for our special brunch edition of Speed Dating. We’ll make it a dapper day with quick dates, fun ice breakers, and plenty of honey. (What’s a salmon? Join us and find out!) Get tickets
Big Gay Golden Girls Trivia Party
Gay Desert Guide’s Fun & Games Dept. & TheMenEvent.com present Big Gay Golden Girls Trivia Party on Thursday, January 21 at 4:00 p.m. What late night snack did the girls eat? Where did Dorothy threaten to send Sophia? You know the answers! This evening promises to be a hoot and a holler for a night of fun, conversations and lunacy during all the craziness. Our trivia contests are so entertaining because we make the questions easy and enjoyable for everyone. Notable Gay comic Oscar Aydin (a self-professed Golden Girl Expert) will be your host. Get tickets
Broadway Showstoppers: Just Dance!
CVRep’s Theatre Thursdays presents Broadway Showstoppers: Just Dance! with Glenn Rosenblum on Thursday, January 21 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom. Join Glenn as he introduces titles such as Bye Bye Birdie, Bajour, The Tap Dance Kid, and more. Free event, registration required. More info
PALS Cafe Wednesdays
PALS (Planning Ahead for LGBTQ Seniors) CAFE is a virtual & completely safe place where you can enjoy a heaping piece of hearty laughter, lots of homemade conversations, and helpful insights while getting to virtually visit with many of your PALS. It’s for seniors and future seniors, for planning ahead prior to a health issue. Conversations create personal network; personal networks create a community that cares. Upcoming topics include:
- Wednesday, January 20 at 4:00 p.m. – COVID/Vaccine update by Dr. Rick Loftus
- Saturday, January 23 at 10:00 a.m. – Seven Essential Conversations You Must Have Now
- Wednesday, January 27 at 4:00 p.m. – Seven Essential Conversations You Must Have Now
More info on PALS Cafe meetings [here].
Mental Amusements from Dezart Performs
Don’t miss Vinny on the #ILoveGayPalmSprings podcast this week!
The first live streaming event from Dezart Performs is award-winning mentalist Vinny DePonto, welcoming you to “Mental Amusements,” his magnificently crafted carnival designed exclusively for the virtual stage. Imagine having your mind controlled, your secret thoughts revealed and predictions made about your imminent future — all through the screen and from your own home! Performances run through January 24. Check out the trailer [here] and get tickets [here].
Fun & Games Dept Events Coming Up
Get your tickets now for these Gay Desert Guide Fun & Games Dept. events coming soon! We are adding some fun twists to the Virtual Speed Dating format with themed nights hosted by Alexander Rodriguez and much more!
- Bowties and Bears Virtual Speed Dating, hosted by Alexander Rodriguez – Sun Jan 24 at 1:00 p.m.
- Gossipy Potluck and Recipe Swap with Comedian Shann Carr – Sun Jan 31 at 1:00 p.m.
- Star Trek Virtual Speed Dating for Men, hosted by Alexander Rodriguez – Wed Feb 3 at 6:00 p.m.
Virtual Events at The Center
Looking for connection in this time of self-isolation? The LGBT 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.
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.
LGBTQ+ Youth Virtual Hangout with Miguel Navarro – Wednesdays at 3:00 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.
Who Cares: Caregiver Support Group with Perry Wiggins – Fridays at 3:00 p.m.
Making Connections During COVID: Men’s Discussion Group with Arlen Keith Leight, LCSW, Ph.D
1st and 3rd Saturdays at 11:30 a.m.
Full list of The Center’s Zoom programs [here]
I Love Gay Palm Springs Podcast – Episode 80
John Taylor, comedian Shann Carr, GayDesertGuide.com‘s Brad Fuhr, Jimmy Boegle of CVIndependent.com, and Dr. Laura Rush bring you up to speed on news, laughs, events and info with a local Palm Springs flavor! Special Guests: Darrell Baum with Wabi Sabi Japan Living as a part of the #WeArePalmSprings series, Loren Ostrow gives us a preview of livingout.com elegant communities for active LGBTQ seniors, and Michael Shaw of DezartPerforms.org is joined by award-winning Mentalist Vinny DePonto. [Listen] or [Watch]The I Love Gay Palm Springs Podcast is now available on Apple TV, Roku TV, Amazon FireTV and Android devices via OutAt.tv. Tune in Friday mornings at 10:00 a.m. to stream us to your TV! (Also available on demand after it airs).
Now available on iHeartRadio too!