This week in #ILoveGayPalmSprings: ShortFest is in town and Thursday is when they show the Gay!La LGBT-themed groupings. You can also participate in a fun scavenger hunt, and get your tickets now for feature-length LGBT films at Outfest! We also have a DBA Mixer, Center Social, Stonewall Democrats, Unwined, Gay 4 Good at Day of Action, a Country Dance and Fundraiser, and we look ahead to two big Pride Celebrations in SF and the OC this weekend!

 

ShortFest is Here and Thursday is Gay

Opening night of the Palm Springs International ShortFest is Tuesday, June 19 with a screening of "Good Vibrations," a top-notch grouping of feel-good films to kick off the festival at the Camelot Theatres (PS Cultural Center). There are two LGBT-themed groupings of films on Thursday, June 21: Gay!La: Program 1 screens at 4:00 p.m. and Gay!La: Program 2 screens at 6:45 p.m. These presentations explore the many definitions, struggles and pleasures within the LGBTQ community, from life transitions and breakups to awakening desires and celebration. Gay Desert Guide is proud to be media sponsor with ShortFest for the first time this year! More info
 

ShortFest 2018 Insta-Photo Scavenger Hunt

Get behind the lens of your smartphone and play along to win two grand prizes valued at over $750 each by following clues and posting photos (appropriately hash-tagged) of iconic Palm Springs locales and ShortFest sponsors! More info

Outfest Tickets on Sale Now

Tickets are now on sale to the general public for the 36th Anniversary of Outfest – the Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization promoting equality by creating, sharing, and protecting LGBTQ stories on the screen. This year's festival runs from Thursday, July 12–Sunday July 22 and Gay Desert Guide is proud to be media sponsor of this film festival as well! More info
 

DBA Mixer and Annual Business Meeting

On Monday, June 18 from 6:00–8:00 p.m., come and network with the Coachella Valley's LGBT chamber of commerce, the Desert Business Association, at their Mixer and Annual Meeting, held this time at Hunter's Nightclub. Free for members; $10 for nonmembers. More info
 

Stonewall Democrats: Legal Updates

On Tuesday June 19th, from 6:00–8:00 p.m., Desert Stonewall Democrats, ACLU So Cal, NCLR, Transgender Community Coalition, HRC, LGBT Center of the Desert, Desert Aids Project and PSPride will be hosting a discussion on the latest LGBT legislative and legal issues and cases. Short presentations will be given by panelists Tony Huang (EQCA), Amanda Goad (ACLU) and Geoff Kors (Palm Springs Council member), followed by Q&A and discussion with the audience. There will also be a very important update on a recent ruling regarding the CA End of Life Option Act, by Paul Zak – DSD and local community member. More info

The Center Social in Desert Hot Springs

On Wednesday, June 20 from 5:30–7:00 p.m., join The LGBT Community Center of the Desert at Playoffs Sports Lounge in Desert Hot Springs for The Center Social. (Note: This event is in addition to The Center Social which will be held next Wednesday (6/27) at Copa Lounge in Palm Springs). More info
 

Unwined at On the Mark

On Thursday, June 21 from 5:30–7:00 p.m., enjoy the perfect night out with a full hour of wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres at "Unwined" presented by On The Mark Fine Foods and Provisions in downtown Palm Springs. The tasting includes an official "On The Mark" wine glass, for tasting organic wines along with several hors d'oeuvres to elevate the experience. More info

Gay For Good at United Way's Day Of Action

On Thursday, June 21 from 7:00-11:00 a.m., Volunteer with Gay for Good and team up with the United Way for this one "Day Of Action" to clean-up and fix-up this school! We and other groups will help out at schools throughout the valley on this day! Contribute with us and enjoy some simple and fun, community involvement! More info

Country Dance and Fundraiser

The Greater Palm Springs Rodeo Corporation presents a Country Dance and Fundraiser on Thursday, June 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Chill Bar. Dance the Two-Step, Waltz, Swing, and of course Line Dancing to get your Boot Scootin' Boogie on. More info

Joslyn Center Survey

The Joslyn Senior Center is conducting a survey as part of their future planning process. Please take a few minutes to take this survey. Your help is vital in helping them plan for the future. Thank You!
 

OC and SF Pride this Weekend

The Orange County Pride Parade and Festival returns Saturday, June 23 with parade at 10:30 a.m., and festival from 12:00–10:00 p.m in downtown Santa Ana. Come visit Gay Desert Guide at our booth to say hello! More info

 

Also this weekend: the largest gathering of the LGBT community and allies in the nation at the San Francisco Pride Celebration and Parade. The festival is at City Center plaza on Saturday and Sunday, June 23–24, and the 48th Annual San Francisco Gay Pride Parade is on Sunday, June 24th at 10:30 a.m. More info
 

PS Comic Xpo

Heads-up: the PS Comic Xpo is coming to town this Friday, June 22–Sunday, June 24, bringing cosplay, comics, arcade, family activities, concerts and celebrities to the Palm Springs Convention Center. More info