There was a time when the brochure for Palm Springs’ tourism wouldn’t allow two men holding hands to be on its front cover, even though it was touting its gay resorts. Gay bars were raided by police – most were in Cathedral City. Yet, we grew to be a top LGBTQ+ destination.
On Thursday, June 30, I’ll be moderating a panel of local journalists who have seen it all and will discuss how local media put Gay Palm Springs on the map. We’ll talk about just how far we’ve come and the influence of those media outlets.
Thursday is also the final official day of Pride month. But celebrations continue around the world culminating here in Palm Springs. I’m going to experience two Prides in August – Amsterdam and Prague. Then it’s back to PSP for Leather Pride and Greater Palm Springs Pride. We’ll have much to march for (and against) in the annual parade on Sunday, Nov. 6.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide & KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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The Power of Story: How Local Media Put Gay Palm Springs on the Map
The LGBTQ+ History and Archives of the Desert celebrates National Pride Month with a FREE community lecture, The Power of Story: How Local Media Put Gay Palm Springs on the Map on Thursday, June 30 from 6–8 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. For a smaller community, Palm Springs has had significant, consistent LGBTQ media outlets over the decades. Did these outlets raise the community’s profile as an LGBTQ destination? Many would argue they did! Hear from local journalists and learn more about their important contributions to our community. Featuring Bruce Fessier, Nino Eilets, Denise Goolsby, and moderated by Brad Fuhr of KGAY Palm Springs and Gay Desert Guide! You can also take in the exhibit of local news stories that is being shown all month in the Cultural Center’s lobby. The lecture is free, reservations required. More info
I ❤️ Mac & Cheese Grand Opening w/KGAY Live
Come taste your favorite topping on your Mac & Cheese! KGAY’s John Taylor will be doing a Live Broadcast during the Grand Opening of I ❤️ Mac & Cheese on Wednesday, June 29 from 9–11 am. Please join KGAY at the new restaurant both for their ribbon cutting at 10 am and John’s live broadcast. During the broadcast John will be giving away 3, one year membership to eat once a week for free! More info
Sharing Our Desert’s LGBTQ+ History
Join The Palm Springs Library to experience the exhibit: Sharing Our Desert’s LGBTQ+ History presented by the LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert, on display throughout the entire month of June in celebration of Pride Month. Learn more about our local LGBTQ+ community and their contributions through the decades. The exhibit will be inside the Library and available to view during regular library hours. More info
ShortFest 2022
ShortFest 2022 is wrapping up at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. The Best of the Fest shorts will screen on the final day, Monday, June 27. In addition to this in-person screening, the Best of Fest films will also be available to watch virtually July 1–10. More info
RuPaul Recap: All Stars Season 7, Episode 7
Our Gay Desert Guide Drag Correspondent, Dante Noto, has published his latest legendary recap of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 7 (See all of his RuPaul Recaps here). This week the queens have another design challenge: create a Legendary Legend look inspired by a classic RuPaul look. All turned out praiseworthy, with some inspiring comments such as “like a toilet roll cozy,” or ‘Bed, Bath and Beyond Thunderdome.” Extra special guest judge Betsey Johnson joins this episode. Read the full recap of Episode 7: Legendary Legend Looks [here].
DBA Networking Mixer at AsiaSF Palm Springs
The Desert Business Association (DBA) returns to AsiaSF Palm Springs for an In-Person Networking Mixer wrapping-up Pride Month on Monday, June 27 at 5:30 pm. Get a taste of the food and entertainment of AsiaSF and learn about their happenings coming this summer. Palm Springs Mayor Lisa Middleton will also talk about the importance of our local and diverse small businesses, Pride month, and what she experienced on her recent visit to the White House with many other LGBTQ leaders from across the country. Bring a prize (and cash) for the scholarship-supporting raffle too! More info
How to Become LGBTQ+ Certified
Learn how to stand out as a go-to supplier in your community by becoming LGBTQ+ certified with How to Become LGBTQ+ Certified, a webinar presented by the Small Business Development Center Orange County Inland Empire Network on Tuesday, June 28 at 12 pm. You’ll get step-by-step information on getting certified to maximize your business opportunities, gain access to corporate and government partners, and meet a network of several other LGBTQ+ accredited businesses. More info
Palm Springs Art Museum Summer Film Series
The Palm Springs Art Museum and The Palm Springs International Film Society present the Summer Film Series on the last Thursday of the month from June through September, starting Thursday, June 30 at 6 pm with The Exterminating Angel. Director Luis Buñuel’s supernatural surrealist film follows a group of wealthy guests who find themselves unable to leave after a lavish dinner party and the chaos that ensues afterward. This summer’s “Cine Mexicano”, presents four renowned and influential films that offer unique insights into the art and culture of Mexico. The screenings are free and coincide with the the Free Thursday Nights program of the museum, supported by the City of Palm Springs. More info
Thursday: Fireworks at Fantasy Springs
Fantasy Springs Resort Casino has a free “Independence Week” fireworks show on Thursday, June 30, beginning at 8:45 pm from the Eagle Falls Golf Course. Arrive early to get a good parking spot to view from! More info
Desert Blues Revival: Blue Breeze Band
Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs presents the Desert Blues Revival every Wednesday at 8 pm in the Cascade Lounge. On Wednesday, June 29, Blue Breeze Band takes the stage. Each week, come enjoy great bands playing Authentic Blues, Soul, R&B, and Rock from all over the globe right here in your backyard. Get tickets
Jazzville
Jazzville, the live jazz scene presented by Barry Martin/DJ Baz and Take Five, takes place at the vibrant Cascade Lounge inside Agua Caliente Casino in Palm Springs. Experience the hottest acts in jazz and step back in time to when all the cool cats came to play and put Palm Springs on the map! This Thursday, June 30 from 7–8:30 pm, it’s Dave Stuckey and the Hothouse Gang. Cocktails, wine and delicious small bites will be available while bopping to the tunes of the evening. Get tickets
POSTPONED: Theatre Thursday: Melissa Errico Remembers Sondheim
CVRep’s Theatre Thursdays are back “Live on Stage.” Come see a different cabaret, concert or entertaining event each Thursday at 7 pm, now through September 1. This week: Originally scheduled for Thursday, June 30: “No One Is Alone” – Melissa Errico Remembers Stephen Sondheim has been postponed (Call Box-Office – (760)-296-2966 ext. 115 for more info). Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh has a look at some highlights of this series [here], and see our event listing for the full lineup of performers! Order ahead and save with 5 shows for the price of 4. Get tickets
? Give Them a Good Gay Home ?
Pet adoptions slow down in the summer months and the homeless pets at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter don’t have the luxury of a summer break. The shelter capacity is currently maxed out at over 300, plus over a hundred additional animals in foster homes. To make it easier for animal lovers to come adopt, the shelter is cutting adoption fees in HALF for the remainder of June. Visit today or check out their website. More info
Rainbow Book Month
The Rancho Mirage Library has curated a list of books to celebrate Rainbow Book Month, to highlight the writings that reflect the experiences of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, pansexual, genderqueer, queer, intersex, and asexual community. Drop by the library to check out what they have on hand, or peruse the curated list [here].
THIS WEEKEND
Summer Sing-A-Long: Mamma Mia!
The Summer Sing-a-Long series is back at the Palm Springs Cultural Center with returning favorites and new classics. On Saturday, July 2 the series kicks off with Mamma Mia!, starring Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried. This anniversary event also includes a special featurette, Meryl’s Big Number, never-before-seen on the big screen! Come early for the Schmigadoon happy hour at 5 pm upstairs in the VIP Lounge. Head into the theater for the sing-a-long at 7 pm, with songleaders from the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus leading the out-loud voices! The series continues Saturdays through July, with Willy Wonka, South Park, Annie, Little Shop, and Mamma Mia 2! Get tickets
Drone Show & Concert by Petty & the Heartshakers
The City of Palm Springs Parks and Recreation Department presents a free Drone Show and Concert by Petty & The Heartshakers tribute band on Saturday, July 2 at 6:30 pm at the new downtown park. This is the most fun, natural, heart-felt, track-free & closest sounding tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Come celebrate this incredible music. More info
Agua Caliente Casinos 4th of July Weekend Celebration
Agua Caliente Casinos is hosting an array of events across the 4th of July Weekend: First up is the Low Key Comedy Show, starring Trevor Wallace, Pablo Francisco, Annie Ledderman, Matt Rife, and Mo Collins on Friday, July 1 at 8 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage [Get tickets]. On the evenings of Saturday and Sunday, July 2 and 3, Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City will host a Roller Skating Rink from 7 pm–midnight [Get tickets]. Finally, on Monday the 4th of July, it’s the desert’s largest fireworks display, set off from the Agua Caliente Resort Casino in Rancho Mirage. Bring your lawn chair, relax, and enjoy live DJ music, food and beverage specials, and giveaways before the show. Parking opens at 3 pm, Drive-In Special at 5 pm, and fireworks show at 9 pm. More info
July 4th Celebration and Fundraiser for AAP – Food Samaritans
Join supporters of AAP – Food Samaritans at a festive Independence Day Celebration and Fundraiser on Monday, July 4 from 7–10 pm at the Historic O’Donnell House. Enjoy traditional American fare catered by Willie Rhine and his team from Eight4Nine, and with the return of the City of Palm Springs’ fireworks display this year, the viewing from the mountainside above the Palm Springs Art Museum will be spectacular. Admission includes open bar, dinner, entertainment by the enchanting Keisha D, and valet parking. Get tickets
City of Palm Springs 4th of July Events
The City’s Parks and Recreation Department presents a variety of ways to celebrate throughout the afternoon and evening on Monday, July 4:
- Family-Friendly Pool Party at the Palm Springs Swim Center, featuring water games, inflatable slide, music, and great food, from 3 pm until the fireworks are over. Watch the City’s “All American Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular” at Palm Springs Stadium from the pool!
- Concert in the Park featuring “Turn the Page, Tribute to Bob Seger” in Sunrise Park at 5:30 pm
- “All Stars Summer Collegiate Game,” with Palm Springs Power Baseball at Palm Springs Stadium at 6 pm.
- “All American Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular” at Palm Springs Stadium, show begins at 9:15 pm…sharp!
- More info
Western Xposure’s Dadfest 2022
Western Xposure’s Dadfest takes place over the July 4th weekend, from July 1–5, at CCBC Resort Hotel. Dadfest is a celebration of, you guessed it, daddies! Celebrate America’s Independence Day with pool parties, BBQ’s, and great music all weekend long at this free-flowing weekend event for the gay bear community, as well as the men who love and admire them. Western Xposure’s events are intentionally designed to be loosely scheduled, encouraging guests to go at their own pace and make their own adventure, taking advantage of the 24-hour resort atmosphere. Get tickets
LOOKING AHEAD
The Carol Burnett Show Live on Stage
Desert Theatreworks is presenting a “summer full of fun” with shows on Sundays. The July production is The Carol Burnett Show Live on Stage on July 10, 17, 24, & 31, all Sunday performances at 2 pm. The “Carol Burnett Show ran for 11 years and is known as one of the most brilliant television shows of all time. You’ll love this opportunity to see some of the best classic comedy sketches from the program re-created for the stage performed by some of DTW’s favorite performers. Get tickets
Also coming soon in local theatre:
- Godspell, from Palm Canyon Theatre, July 8–17
On the Air at KGAY 106.5
KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs is “The Pride of the Valley,” and you can show your Pride by proudly wearing our rainbow logo! Check out our selection of apparel and other items emblazoned with the best radio station call letters: KGAY! Shop now
The KGAY 106.5 Retro Lunch airs Monday through Friday at noon, 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 pool party music! Listen Online
- Palm Springs International ShortFest
Jun 21–27 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Webinar: How to Become LGBTQ+ Certified
Tue. Jun 28 from 12–1 pm - Grand Opening and KGAY Live Broadcast for I ❤️ Mac & Cheese
Wed. Jun 29 from 9–11 am, downtown Palm Springs - The Power of Story: How Local Media Put Gay Palm Springs on the Map
Thu. Jun 30 at 6 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Summer Sing-A-Long Series: Mamma Mia!
Sat. Jul 2 at 7 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Sizzlin’ Summer Sale Presented by KGAY 106.5 and Gay Desert Guide
Sat. Jul 9 from 12–6 pm, and Sun. Jul 10 from 10 am–3 pm - The Carol Burnett Show Live on Stage
Jul 10, 17, 24 & 31 at Desert Theatreworks - The Center’s Inaugural Women’s Social
Wed. Jul 13 from 5:30–7pm at Margaritaville Resort
Listen to KGAY 106.5 over the air, stream it [here], or listen on TuneIn Radio with Alexa or Siri by saying “Play K-GAY 1065 from Tune In Radio.” 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 now heard on Sundays as the Retro Lunch & Sunday Brunch from 11 am–4 pm.