Gay Desert Guide: Week of May 3, 2021

From attending the #MeTooMarilyn peaceful protest to a rollicking drag show at Oscar’s, it felt like things were mostly back to “normal” in Palm Springs.  I had out of town guests, I dined indoors and attended a ribbon cutting or two.
While still wearing a mask while walking down Palm Canyon, I do tend to take it off when no one is around (or when it’s dark). HBU?
The virtual events are still happening, a remnant of having to cancel all of our big galas.  In fact, this weekend is the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards virtual event, and we talked with DAP Health’s James Lindquist on the #ILoveGayPalmSprings podcast about how they pivoted in the face of COVID-19.
It’s a beautiful week to enjoy DesertX (when the wind subsides) and take in a hike, bike or car ride.  Enjoy our great Spring weather and count on GayDesertGuide.LGBT to keep you updated here and on social media!
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide 
#ILoveGayPalmSprings
#ILoveGayCatCity
#ShopLocal and … #WeArePalmSprings

15th Annual LGBTQ Community Survey

Please take part in the Community Marketing & Insights (CMI) 15th Annual LGBTQ Community Survey! For over a decade, this survey has provided free data to help non-profits, universities, and organizations better understand and serve the LGBTQ community. Previous surveys have had over 45,000 participants from 150 countries! Also, participation in this survey gives important feedback to our LGBTQ community media and organizations, and provides data to companies interested in serving our community, sponsoring our charities, and supporting their LGBTQ employees. The survey should take about 12 to 15 minutes to complete. [Click here to take the survey]

DBA Virtual Networking Mixer

Join the Desert Business Association on Monday, May 3 at 5:30 p.m. on Zoom to network with our local and diverse small businesses, and learn what issues may be impacting our small business community. This week: hear from leaders of the Palm Springs Sister City Committee to learn of their current activities in developing this effort, and identifying potential International and US partner cities to gain the most mutual benefit. A number of the Palm Springs Sister City Committee are DBA members, including co-chairs Al Jones and Jeffrey Bernstein, David Perry and Willie Rhine. More info

Evening for Equality feat. Senator Alex Padilla

Join Equality California on Tuesday, May 4 at 6:00 p.m. for Evening for Equality, an evening of online conversation and entertainment to raise critical funds to support the organization’s work to ensure LGBTQ+ Californians have access to the resources they need to navigate the COVID-19 public health crisis and land on their feet. Participation in this virtual event is free and open to all, but please consider purchasing a ticket or making a contribution to support the work of Equality California. Special guests include U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman, Honey Mahogany and Peppermint. Get tickets

Luminary Matchup with Chita Rivera and Raymond Del Barrio

CVRep presents their final Theatre Thursday of the 2021 season with a Luminary Matchup on Thursday, May 6 at 6:00 p.m. This special matchup is between Tony Award-winning legendary actress, singer, and dancer, Chita Rivera, and choreographer of the Academy Award-winning film short West Bank Story; stage director and choreographer, Raymond Del Barrio. Free event, registration required. More info

 Positive Life Series

The HIV+ Aging Research Project Palm Springs presents the Positive Life Series on Tuesday, May 4 at 6:00 p.m. on Zoom. This month’s topic: “How to Stay Young as We Age—Healthy Eating for People Living with HIV” with Janelle L’Heureux, RD of APLA Health. Registration required. More info

Outbook Book Club

The Palm Springs Cultural Center and the Palm Springs Public Library present their LGBTQ monthly book club OUTBOOK on Wednesday, May 5 from 7:00–8:30 pm on Zoom. Connect with your fellow bibliophiles the first Wednesday of every month, with this month’s selection being “In the Absence of Men” by Philippe Besson. Upcoming selections include: “On Swift Horses” by Shannon Pufahl (Jun. 2), and “The Hours” by Michael Cunningham and “Mrs. Dalloway” by Virginia Woolf (July 7). More info

Gay Wine Weekends 2021 Announced

Out in the Vineyard has announced their plans for Gay Wine Weekends in 2021. Rather than a large gathering over one weekend, they are planning several gatherings throughout the summer, from June 19 through September 11, including a Pride Wine Tasting in San Francisco, A virtual Online Drag Bingo, an Afternoon Soiree in the historic Adobe at Three Sticks Winery in Sonoma, a Mix & Mingle at Macrostie Winery in Healdsburg, and more. Participation will be limited, make plans now! Learn more

A Conversation with Former Senator Barbara Boxer

The United Nations Association of the Coachella Valley presents “A Conversation with Former Senator Barbara Boxer” on Monday, May 3 at 4:00 p.m. Experience Senator Boxer’s deep knowledge and experience not only as a Senator, but also her experience as a Valley resident and with issues that affect all of us, including: health, climate change, social justice, LGBTQ rights and more – and where renewed U.S. commitments to the United Nations is essential. Free event. More info

Bereavement Therapy Group

The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert is presenting a new session of their Bereavement Therapy Group starting Monday, May 3 and continuing for 12 weeks on Mondays from 5:00–6:30 p.m. The closed sessions of Bereavement Therapy Group are offered via HIPAA-compliant Zoom calls, intended for those who have lost a loved one and want assistance in dealing with their loss and to talk with others who understand what they are going through. More info

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“The Berlin Patient” Bench Dedication in Wellness Park

A bench and plaque will be dedicated in memory of Timothy Ray Brown on Friday, May 7 from 12:00–1:00 p.m. in Wellness Park, near Desert Regional Medical Center. Timothy Ray Brown was an American considered to be the first person cured of HIV/AIDS. Brown was diagnosed with HIV while studying abroad in Berlin, Germany in 1995; he was called “The Berlin Patient” at the 2008 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, where his HIV cure was first announced, and after that he dedicated his life to supporting research to search for a cure for HIV. More info

PALS Death Cafe

They say “talking about death makes us feel good about living,” and this Thursday, May 6 from 2:00–3:00 p.m., PALS (Planning Ahead for LGBTQ Seniors) presents a Virtual version of their Death Cafe. This is a group directed discussion of death with no agenda, specified topics, or designated outcomes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counseling session. Just bring your curiosity and your thoughts/ideas about death or dying. More info

Therapy for Late Life Depression

The LGBTQ Center of the Desert is offering up to 25 free Cognitive Behavioral Therapy sessions for those 60 and older who qualify, experiencing late life depression. This is an evidence-based protocol focused on relieving mild to moderate depression. For an initial assessment, email mmartin@thecentercv.org or call 760-416-7899.

Virtual Events at The Center

Looking for connection in this time of self-isolation? The LGBTQ Community 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 – Mondays at 11:00 a.m.
Zumba for Beginners with Shaun Samaro – Mondays at 10:00 a.m.
Managing Emotions During a Pandemic with Jill Hingston, Ph.D – Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m.
Fifty+ Fit with Lynn Simonson – Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m.
Prostate Cancer Support Group – 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 4:00 p .m.
Trans Tuesdays with Jill Hingston, Ph.D – Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Seated Wellness with Lynn Simonson – Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.
Women’s Chat with Kim Kieler – Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
Men’s Chat with Stuart Huggins – Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
LGBTQ+ Youth Virtual Hangout with Miguel Navarro – Fridays at 2:00 p.m.
Who Cares: Caregiver Support Group with Perry Wiggins – Fridays at 3:00 p.m.
Full list of The Center’s Zoom programs [here]

I Love Gay Palm Springs Podcast – Episode 95