We just learned of one in the “win” column for LGBTQ rights this morning. The Supreme Court has ruled that the 1964 Civil Rights Act which barred discrimination in the workplace applied to “us” being fired for sexual orientation. After a number of blows last week, this one feels great! And during June, Pride month, it’s especially a moment to savor and celebrate!
I mustered up the courage to dine and and visit bars this weekend. Both Cathedral City and Palm Springs establishments are getting their sea legs around the new regulations. While each of us has our own comfort level in going out, the state’s guidelines are allowing these establishments to conduct business. Let’s be supportive of those rights and look for the best in people, not the worst. I saw a number of awful posts on social media over the weekend on a wide range of rants. Let’s take a collective deep breath and exhaaaale. Feel better?
We’re announcing the launch of the Fun & Games Department of Gay Desert Guide led by comedian Shann Carr. She’ll be working to create virtual (and in-person as allowed) events and promotions for all of us to help destress, make some new friends and generally feel good about life! Look for details on social media and in Thursday’s blog and email newsletter. Not a subscriber, sign up HERE.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide.
2020 ShortFest Begins Tuesday
2020 ShortFest will be a virtual event this year. The Official Selection has been announced [learn more] with a selection of those films available for screening on their website for free from June 16–22, the original dates of the festival. Some will be available to stream for the entire festival, others will be available for a 24-hour window. There will also be virtual classes and panels with industry guests as part of the ShortFest Forum. Registration is open now for the Live Forums. More info
Bookmark This: 10 Must-See ShortFest Selections from the festival’s Artistic Director, Lili Rodriguez
Desert Stonewall Democrats Meeting
The June meeting of the Desert Stonewall Democrats will take place via Zoom on Tuesday, June 16 from 6:00–7:00 p.m. with the topic From Stonewall Inn to City Hall: Riots, Protests, and Revolution for Change. Several video shorts will be shared during the meeting. RSVP required for Zoom link. More info
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 – Monday at 11:00 a.m.
Seated Wellness with Lynn Simonson – Thursday at 10:00 a.m.
Managing Emotions During a Pandemic with Jill Hingston, Ph.D – Tuesday at 11:00 a.m.
LGBTQ+ Youth Virtual Hangout with Miguel Navarro – Wednesday at 3:00 p.m.
Women’s Chat with Kim Kieler – Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
Who Cares: Caregiver Support Group with Perry Wiggins – Fridays at 3:00 p.m.
NEW (Starting June 19): Men’s Chat with Stuart Huggins – Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
Colorful Foods – The Power of Produce
The LGBT Community Center of the Desert and Eisenhower Health present Colorful Foods on Wednesday, June 17 at 5:30 p.m. See the rainbow — taste the rainbow! Join Riley Healey, RD, with Eisenhower Health, to discover the power of produce, and learn about the benefits of fruits, vegetables and spices. More info
Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market Now Indoors
The Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market can now be found next to the Palm Springs Cultural Center at the Palm Springs Pavilion, Saturdays from 8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. As always, safe shopping practices are being followed. Check out the Market’s “Tips for Shopping the CFM in Uncertain Times” [here]
Miss Richfield Bingo Bonanza
Outlandish presents Bingo Bonanza with Miss Richfield 1981, online Monday and Thursday nights at 5:00 p.m. Watch and play along as Miss Richfield turns your living room into a church basement! All ages welcome. More info
Another Outlandish favorite, Miss Coco Peru, has been doing live chat, Q&A, and even singing in Casa Coco, her weekly livestream. This week’s performance has sold out, but the next Casa Coco will be on Wednesday, June 24 at 6:00 p.m. and tickets go on sale on Thursday, June 18 [here]
[the_ad_group id=”12644″]
Hello, Palm Springs – Bars are Reopening
The Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism is rolling out a new ad campaign to welcome visitors back as more businesses are reopening, including hotels and bars. Meanwhile, Arenas Road fixture Streetbar has new hours: 10:00 a.m.–midnight, 7 days a week. There will be no karaoke to start, but they will be making decisions as they go. Putting safety first, they have added additional patio space to the back of the bar to allow for distancing, and masks will be required at all times. Drink specials remain the same! More info
We will be bringing back the Happy Hour Finder on GayDesertGuide.LGBT as our partners such as Streetbar, Chill, Trunks, The Roost, and Runway reopen as well. Stay tuned and visit our Gay Desert Guide After Dark channel for more information.
The Living Desert Reopens
The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens is re-opening to the general public on Monday, June 15. Physical distancing and mask-wearing will be required, with advanced timed entry tickets limiting the number of visitors. Read more
CVRep Theatre Thursday: Writer’s Panel
Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre presents their next installment of Theatre Thursdays on Thursday, June 18 at 6:00 p.m. for a Writer’s Panel with Samantha Dunn, Cathy Kaye, Luis Rodriguez and Corey Roskin. Hear from these experts on writing inspiration and technique! Registration required for this FREE program. More info
THIS WEEKEND
Shann Carr’s Big Gay Virtual Scavenger Hunt
From the new “Fun & Games Department”, Gay Desert Guide is hosting a series of fun virtual events with hostess Shann Carr! Join us on Saturday, June 20 from 4:00–6:00 p.m. for the Big Gay Scavenger Hunt At Home Edition where everything you need to win is within your home or apartment. Rolls of toilet paper, potted flowers, photo albums, cleaning products and more are all in play for a hilarious night of fun and conversations! Your host will have a list of regular (and some not so regular) items that people may find around their living space. Once we post an item you will have 15 seconds to find it. Each item found will result in points for prizes! At the end of the home hunt we’ll sit back laugh and enjoy a toast together to when we can hang out in person. Free event, registration required. More info
Voices of Hope – Together, We Thrive
Desert Aids Project (DAP) is proud to deliver the gift of music with their Voices of Hope – Together, We Thrive livestream event on Friday, June 19 at 7:00 p.m. Tune in for free on Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter and enjoy a star-studded, uplifting, joyous hour packed with a mix of your favorite Broadway, TV, and film entertainers, many who are longtime friends and supporters of DAP’s mission, including Kristin Chenoweth, Betty Buckley, Matthew Morrison, Megan Hilty and many more! Those who are able, may consider registering with a ticketing and donation package. Your paid ticket package at all levels benefits DAP’s COVID-19 response. More info
Check out Coachella Valley Independent’s detailed interview with Darrell Tucci, DAP’s chief development officer, discussing DAP’s COVID-19 response and the Voices of Hope event [here].
Take out. Dine in. Watch Together. Plan to order dinner from one of the Valley’s Dining out for Life partners who are currently open for take-out or delivery. Let’s lift them up as they have done for all of us for decades. Together, we’ll dine in – tune in – and THRIVE! Visit the DINING OUT FOR LIFE International (DOFLI) list here.
I Love Gay Palm Springs Podcast – Episode 49
Join hosts John Taylor and comedian Shann Carr, GayDesertGuide.com creator Brad Fuhr, Dr. Laura Rush, and CVIndependent.com publisher Jimmy Boegle for an informal discussion on recent demonstrations, Covid-19 concerns, bar and hotel openings and the new normal as we head into the summer months in #ILoveGayPalmSprings [Listen] or [Watch]