The transgender community is in the spotlight this week for TDOV (Transgender Day of Visibility) events on Tuesday and Wednesday. And the timing couldn’t be better as new legislation is considered across the country to limit rights of our trans community. With each of the letter in LGBTQ, there are trials and tribulations that we go through both separately and in our shared experience. Our trans brothers and sisters have arguably faced the most discrimination.
We end March with a mini heat wave as Spring break comes to a close and we continue to get “shots in arms” for pretty much anyone who wants them. We’re planning for Fall and 2022 in-person events while continuing to play it safe with masks and social distancing. Watch this space, our social media pages and our vodcast/podcast for updates!. Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide #ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity #ShopLocal and … #WeArePalmSprings
Palm Springs Police Dept. LGBTQ+ Outreach Town Hall
Join the annual Palm Springs Police Department LGBTQ+ Outreach Committee Town Hall with Police Chief Bryan Reyes on Tuesday, March 30 at 5:30 p.m. This advisory committee elevates the voice of the diverse realities and lived experiences of the LGBTQ+ community, offering suggestions to further the effectiveness of the Palm Springs Police Department’s commitment to diversity. There will be Q&A and discussion of issues important to you and important to the LGBTQ+ community in Palm Springs. More info
International Transgender Day of Visibility is March 31
In honor of Transgender Day of Visibility, The LGBTQ Center will host a community film online screening of AIDS DIVA: The Legend of Connie Norman on Tuesday, March 30 at 5:00 p.m. This documentary film focuses on the self-appointed “AIDS DIVA” and masterful spokesperson for ACT UP /Los Angeles in the late 80s and early 90s Los Angeles. After the film, there will be a Q&A panel afterwards with Paulina Angel (our Woman Crush Wednesday this week!), community activist Diana Olivia Feliz, president of LKAPS.orgDavid Kelly, and film director Dante Alencastre. More info The Transgender Health and Wellness Center presents their virtual Transgender Day of Visibility on Wednesday, March 31 from 3:00–5:00 p.m. Celebrate the lives and accomplishments of the Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming and Intersex Community with performances, conversation, and inspiring stories by nationally known artists and activists Ryan Cassata, Skylar Kergil, Niko Storment and more on Zoom. You must be registered to receive a VIP zoom invite that day. More info
AmDocs Film Festival
The 2021 American Documentary and Animation Film Festival is mostly virtual, screening on the new DocsNow+ streaming platform from through Sunday, April 4. Festival pass holders will have access via website and app to watch 200-plus festival titles anytime, anywhere, and also receive a full 12 months bonus to the subscription service to view the channel dedicated to documentary and animated works from around the world. From the visually beautiful to the heartwarming, inspirational, shocking and educational, each film uncovers a slice of real life to the viewer from some of the best visual storytellers out there. More info
[the_ad_group id=”12644″]
Desert X 2021 Delayed by over a month due to concerns about COVID-19, Desert X 2021 is now open through May 16 in the Coachella Valley. The exhibition explores the desert as both a place and idea, acknowledging the realities of people who reside here and the political, social, and cultural contexts that shape their stories [Check out what’s new this year]. The site-specific exhibition is free and out-of-doors, providing a safe visitor experience, featuring newly-commissioned projects. More info Don’t miss our Desert X discussion on the I Love Gay Palm Springs Podcast this week (Friday, April 2). We will talk with Palm Springs Life editor-in-chief Steven Biller & Desert X Co-curator César García-Alvarez!
Desert Rose Playhouse Showstoppers Starring Logan Walker
The Desert Rose Playhouse presents Showstoppers Starring Logan Walker, “An Evening With Garland and Minnelli” on Tuesday, March 30 at 7:00 p.m. at PS Underground. This LIVE performance is a fundraiser featuring Logan Walker, and tickets include a private table for up to 4 people with a gourmet 3-course meal, free-flowing drinks, and the full staged show behind the glass. More info
Luminary Matchup featuring Loni Ackerman & Sal Mistretta
CVRep’s Theatre Thursday presents Luminary Matchup Featuring Loni Ackerman& Sal Mistretta on Thursday, April 1 at 7:00 p.m. Don’t miss this one-night-only matchup between two Broadway veterans. Ackerman appeared in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Cats” as Grizabella, in which she sang the famous song “Memory.” Mistretta was seen in “Follies,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “Hairspray” at the Galen Performing Arts Center, and has joined CVRep onstage in various benefits and shows. Free event, registration required. More info
National Out to Win Day
Friday, April 2 is National Out to Win Day, an annual event to encourage LGBTQ people to run for office and make positive changes in their community. Help the LGBTQ Victory Institute spread the word on social media to show your support! More info
Mary Pickford Theatre Indoor & Outdoor Screenings
If you prefer the outdoor big screen experience, the Mary Pickford Drive-In features the premiere of “Godzilla vs. Kong” on Wednesday, March 31. Indoor movies are also back operating at 25% capacity as Riverside County has advanced to the red tier of the state’s reopening framework. Kick back in their stadium-style power recliners and enjoy the concessions you love, knowing they are doing everything as safely as possible, meeting or exceeding the CinemaSafe industry standards. Check out their private screenings, too! Get tickets
Palm Springs Art Museum Reopens April 1
It’s been a full year, and the Palm Springs Art Museum has finally been given the approval to reopen on Thursday, April 1 with updated galleries and 5 new exhibitions. New visitor hours are: Friday–Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Thursday 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., closed Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays. Capacity is limited to 25%, tickets must be reserved online in advance, and numerous COVID-19 safety measures will be in place. The Architecture & Design Center, Edwards Harris Pavilion will reopen in September with the exhibition The Modern Chair. More info
“Senior Moment” Screening
The Palm Springs Cultural Center Drive-In Experience presents a screening of the new William Shatner comedy ‘Senior Moment’ on Friday, April 2 at 5:30 p.m. The film promises to be a fun, fast car romp through some of your favorite locations in Palm Springs—the entire movie was filmed locally! Read about it here and sorry, this screening is sold out!
ANA Inspiration Golf Tournament
The 50th edition of the ANA Inspiration will take place April 1–4 at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, marking a return to its usual position on the calendar as the first of the five Major championships of professional women’s golf. As with last year’s tournament, this special 50th Anniversary edition will be going ahead without spectators due to Covid-19 related restrictions, but fans can tune in online. More info
The world famous Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend is the largest lesbian event in the world and traditionally takes place at the same time as the golf tournament. This year, with large events still prohibited due to COVID-19, The Dinah is scheduled for September 29–October 3. Tickets are on sale now. More info
Catch our latest episode, from Friday, March 26!
We’re springing gayly forward into Spring 2021! Join John Taylor, comedian Shann Carr and Brad Fuhr of GayDesertGuide.com and their special guests Dr. Laura Rush, Executive Director of Trans Community Project Paulina Angel, Theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh and a special DAP Health tribute to the tireless efforts of Douglas Woodmansee and Marshall Pearcy, AKA: Les Dames du Soleil!
The #ILoveGayPalmSprings Podcast is broadcast on Facebook Live, Fridays at 11:00 a.m. Our podcast is brought to you by Torre Nissan in La Quinta.
The#ILoveGayPalmSprings Podcast is also available on Apple TV, Roku TV, Amazon, FireTV and Android devices via OutAt.tv. Tune in Friday mornings at 10:00 a.m. (or later on-demand) to stream us to your TV. You can also listen on Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio and more!
LOOKING AHEAD
New Outdoor Markets
The River in Rancho Mirage will be hosting an open air “Market at The River”every Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. (through May), featuring fresh produce, hand crafted jewelry/items, clothing, golf apparel, and more from local businesses around the Coachella Valley. More info Additionally, CV Harvest Box presents Palm Desert Sunday Market on Sunday, April 25, and again Sunday, May 30 in downtown Palm Desert. A variety of small businesses and local-area farms will bring their artisanal products and sustainable produce for you to buy, Indio High is making floral arrangements, and Courtney Chambers will play live music. You can also win a Harvest Box to take home! More info
