What a world! My friends and I often say that phrase when lamenting the latest Trumposity or rolling our eyes at an inappropriate social media post. But rarely is it a positive thing.
So that’s why the phrase is being uttered more and more in our circle of friends. A group of us are on our way to another part of the world — Europe — where that phrase will take on new meaning.
Summer travel is a hallmark of living in the desert. Most everyone wants to escape the heat, even if only up the tramway or to Big Bear. Our “what a world” will take us to the Netherlands and Belgium, ending at Amsterdam Pride with BearCruise.com. It’s become somewhat of a tradition for me to be at Amsterdam Pride, and I am hoping that my luck will continue next year when World Pride comes to the fabled city.
This year, I’ll leave my USA-related t-shirts behind (but of course I’ll take my “Say KGAY” shirt!) I just don’t want to be pegged as a visitor from this country in this moment. That’s a sad state of affairs and one that our group will lament as we observe their world from our perspective.
P.S. Congrats to Gary Saperstein for another successful and intoxicating Gay Wine Weekend. It’s always great to get away to wine country, see old friends and know that the proceeds support Sonoma County’s AIDS service organization, Face to Face. Like most non-profits, they are facing funding challenges too.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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TUE: Tolerance Education Center Film Series – Unspoken
On Tuesday, July 22 at 6 pm, the Tolerance Education Center presents Unspoken as part of its Summer Film Series. This moving narrative follows a closeted religious teen who uncovers a pre-Holocaust love letter between his grandfather and another man—sparking a journey of self-discovery, identity, and intergenerational connection. With its poignant blend of history and personal truth, Unspoken invites viewers to reflect on the enduring power of love and legacy. More info
TUE & THU: CVRep Summer Cabaret Series
The CVRep Summer Cabaret Series continues this week with two exciting performances! Enjoy an electrifying evening of live entertainment every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 pm at CVRep in Cathedral City. This week, it’s David Burnham on Tuesday, July 22, and Jeff Harnar on Thursday, July 24. The series runs through July 31, offering a variety of world-class talent. Get tickets
WED: The Center Social
Join The LGBTQ Community Center of The Desert for its July Center Social on Wednesday, July 23 from 5:30–7 pm at Willie’s Modern Fare in Rancho Mirage. This month’s event is proudly sponsored by KMEE 103.1 MeTV FM and promises an evening of lively conversation, community connections, and delicious happy hour offerings. With limited capacity at this popular venue, early registration is required. Come mingle, make memories, and enjoy a summer evening among friends. Register now
THU: Trans Rights Political Forum
Join the Transgender Health & Wellness Center on Thursday, July 24 from 6–7:30 pm at the Mizell Center for an essential discussion on Executive Order 14168. This free political forum provides a safe space for transgender, nonbinary, and intersex voices to be heard, uniting the community in response to legislation that threatens fundamental rights. Featuring civil rights advocates and local leaders, the evening centers on solidarity, education, and collective action toward a more inclusive future. More info
THU: Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage Begins
Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage returns Thursday, July 24–Sunday, August 17, serving up three weeks of mouthwatering deals and community spirit. With a $10 wristband—available from the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce or participating nonprofits—you’ll unlock exclusive specials at dozens of local restaurants. Whether you’re craving upscale dining, casual bites, or sweet indulgences, this culinary celebration offers something for every taste—all while supporting vital nonprofit programs across the Coachella Valley. More info
THU: Cocktail Cinema – But I’m A Cheerleader
Cocktail Cinema returns on Thursday, July 24 with a screening of But I’m a Cheerleader at 6 pm in the Annenberg Theater at the Palm Springs Art Museum (Cocktail hour starts at 5 pm with specialty drinks by Livs Palm Springs). This pastel-hued cult classic follows Megan, a high school cheerleader sent to a conversion therapy camp, where she hilariously—and poignantly—discovers love, identity, and the power of chosen family. With standout performances by Natasha Lyonne, Clea DuVall, and RuPaul, this satirical gem is a must-see celebration of queer resilience and self-discovery. More info
FRI: The Psychedelic Furs
Catch post-punk legends The Psychedelic Furs live on Friday, July 25 at 8 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage. With iconic hits like “Pretty in Pink,” “Love My Way,” and “The Ghost in You,” this influential band brings decades of raw energy and romantic edge to the stage. Get tickets
FRI & SAT: The Princess and the Pea
Join the Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory for a delightful evening of youth theatre with The Princess and the Pea on Friday, July 25 from 7–9 pm. This charming comedy, adapted by John O’Hara, follows Prince Pete’s quest for love with help from a quirky cast of royal characters and a stack of mattresses. Admission is free, but tickets are required and limited to four per guest. Presented by Desert Theatricals with support from local foundations. More info
ALSO THIS WEEK
Wednesday, July 23
Blood Drive | 10 am–3 pm at Eisenhower Health
Bariatric Surgery Info w/Bobby Bhasker-Rao, MD | 5:30–7 pm at Eisenhower Health
Hot Spot Bingo with Deven & Ned | 7–8:30 pm at Agua Caliente Cathedral City
Thursday, July 24
Carousel Live Retro Music | 7–8:30 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
VillageFest Street Fair | 7–10 pm in Downtown Palm Springs
Friday, July 25
Christmas Dinner in July | 5–9 pm at Grand Central Palm Springs
Food Truck Fridays | 5–10 pm in Downtown Indio
BearUnion | 8 pm–4 am at Club 541
Saturday, July 26
LGBTQIA Higher Powered OA Meeting | 11:30 am at Sunny Dunes Clubhouse
Country Dance Saturdays: Beginner Shadow with Rob Ollander-Krane | 7 pm at Step by Step
Sunday, July 27
Sunday Stomp Line Dancing | 6–10 pm at Reforma
Guided Hikes | 11 am & 1:30 pm at San Jacinto State Park (Tramway Mountain Station)
THIS WEEKEND
Puptopia Festival
Escape the desert heat and head to the mountains for Puptopia Festival on Saturday, July 26 from 10 am–5 pm at Veteran’s Park in Big Bear Lake. This free, dog-loving day trip promises a tail-wagging blend of outdoor adventure, pet pampering, and community connection. Set against a scenic lakeside backdrop, attendees can enjoy a packed schedule of activities including owner-led agility courses in the Pupformance Zone, giant ball pits and photo ops at the Pawground, breed meet-ups, and dog stunt demos at the Main Stage. The K9 Lounge offers a cozy space to sip, snack, and mingle while browsing pup-friendly vendors with treats, accessories, and more. More info
The Dirty Show – Psychic Summer!
Get ready for a wildly entertaining evening at The Dirty Show – Psychic Summer! On Saturday, July 26 from 7–8:30 pm, join America’s favorite actor-singer-dancer-psychic, Skyler Gentry, for a hilarious and risqué “BEST OF” performance packed with his funniest, raunchiest songs, bits, and psychic readings from the past three years. This very gay, very funny show is a total blast, complete with complimentary adult beverages and snacks included with admission. Get tickets
We Need a Little Christmas Now
Sleigh the summer blues at We Need a Little Christmas Now on Sunday, July 27 from 5–8 pm at The Roost Lounge in Cathedral City. Hosted by the ever-fabulous Ethylina Canne, this one-woman holiday spectacular features live vocals, dazzling group numbers, and heartwarming stories that span a lifetime of festive traditions. Enjoy a three-course Christmas dinner from Trilussa starting at 5 pm, bid on wreaths and baskets at the 6:30 pm auction, and enjoy the show at 7:30 pm. Soak up the spirit of the season—all while supporting The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert. Get tickets
Love Local Palm Springs
Love Local Palm Springs is back, giving residents and visitors a 50% bonus when they purchase digital gift cards to spend at over 100 local businesses. Whether you’re dining out, shopping for summer reads, or booking a spa day, a $100 card becomes $150 in spending power—perfect for supporting your favorite spots while stretching your budget. Bonus funds are valid through October 31, so grab your card early and show some love to the heart of Palm Springs. Learn more
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!
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!
- Trans Rights Political Forum to Discuss Executive Order 14168
Thu. Jul 24 from 6–7:30 pm at Mizell Center - Cocktail Cinema: But I’m a Cheerleader
Thu. Jul 24 at 5 pm at the Annenberg Theater - Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage
Jul 24–Aug 17 at a wide variety of Rancho Mirage restaurants - Cruise Chat with Patrick Evans
Wed. Aug 6 from 4:30–6 pm in Palm Desert - Guadalupe’s House Party
Fri. Aug 22 at Palm Springs Art Museum - September at the McCallum Theatre
The Righteous Brothers (9/10), Jon Lovitz (9/13), Camila Fernández (9/14) - Pride Under the Pines 2025 – Early Bird Tickets on Sale Now
Sat. Oct 4 in Downtown Idyllwild - Palm Springs Leather Pride 2025 – Gods of Leather
Oct 30–Nov 2 at Hotel Zoso, Tool Shed, CCBC, Hunters
Nola at Escena by Toll Brothers embodies desert elegance with exclusive single-level homes priced from $1.2 million, perfectly positioned near the Escena Golf Club and the sophisticated Escena Lounge & Grill. Located off Vista Chino just east of Gene Autry. Learn more
Ever walk into a room and something feels… off? It’s the lamp shade. Palm Springs Lamp Shades is a new partner, Gay-owned by our friend Matt. It’s packed with more sizes and styles than the big box stores. Visit pslampshades.com or bring your lamp in for a custom fit. Matt will help you find the perfect shade to show it off. Learn more
Paula D. Atkinson, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist, specializing in treating anxiety, depression, and body hatred/food obsession and serving mainly LGBTQ+ clients. She brings a unique blend of liberation psychology, somatic therapy, expressive arts, transpersonal, queer, and eco-psychological approaches into her practice. 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
You can WIN TICKETS to Out on the Mountain, the ultimate LGBTQ night at Six Flags Magic Mountain on Friday, August 22 from 6 pm–12 am, courtesy of KGAY 106.5 and 92.1! Experience the thrill of exclusive ride access, high-energy dance parties, and dazzling performances including a DJ set and performances by Kerri Colby from RuPaul’s Drag Race—all in a safe, inclusive space. With over 5,000 attendees expected, this private event supports local LGBTQ organizations and features top attractions like Twisted Colossus, Wonder Woman Flight of Courage, Full Throttle and many more. Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page
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
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
This week on 103.1 MeTV FM: Rise and Shine weekday mornings with a Timeless and Memorable variety of songs you know and love, and get your weather from Jerry Steffen at NBC Palm Springs! 103.1 MeTV FM plays a variety of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s with a touch of the ’50s! Listen in your car, at work, at home or around the world, online at 1031metvfm.com or tell Alexa, “Open 103.1 MeTV FM.”
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.