May the Force Be With You… Happy Star Wars Day! We received some happy news yesterday when a local philanthropist couple listened to our podcast featuring the LGBT Center’s Mike Thompson. Mike talked about the food bank needs and they stepped up with a $1,000 contribution. My team was moved by not only their generosity, but also of the responsibility we have during this crisis to bring people together and help in any way we can. The power of the written and spoken word cannot be underestimated. There’s no lack of virtual events in which to participate this week and our events calendar and blog that follows keeps you up to date. Have a safe, distanced week from one another!
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide
I Love Gay Palm Springs Podcast – Episode 43
Hosts John Taylor and comedian Shann Carr are joined by GayDesertGuide.com’s Brad FuhrCVIndependent.com’s Jimmy Boegle, Dr. Laura Rush, DAP’s Darrell Tucci, TheCenterPS.org’s Mike Thompson and actor author and comedian Jason Stuart. There are “takeout shout outs” to our favorite restaurants, volunteer opportunities from your very own home, information and entertainment to keep us connected as a community! [Listen] or [Watch]
This week’s Take Out Shout-Outs include: Jake’s, John’s, Rick’s,Paul Bar/Food, Lulu with a shoutout to Liz @ Tac/Quila who is donating proceeds from carryout today to D.A.P. April 30 would have been Dining Out For Life day.
Palm Springs Town Hall
On Tuesday, May 5 at 11:00 a.m., join Mayor Geoff Kors, Nona Watson from the Palm Springs Chamber, Michael Daniel from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Assembly Member Chad Mayes for an open session for area businesses affected by COVID-19 on business survival, recovery planning, the State Senior Meal Program, insurance claims, and more. Registration required. More info
#GivingTuesdayNow is May 5
#GivingTuesdayNow is a new global day of giving and unity that will take place on Tuesday, May 5 – in addition to the regularly scheduled Dec 1, 2020 #GivingTuesday – as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. Various non-profits and charities are providing opportunities for action and community support, such as Desert AIDS Project‘s encouragement to support local restaurants with “Take Out. Give Back,” or giving in gift amounts that support DAP’s work for everything from providing PPE to delivering at-home nutrition for clients, and caring for patients in their COVID-19 clinic. Learn more
Virtual Kitten and Puppy Shower
Join Animal Samaritans on Tuesday, May 5 from 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. for a Virtual Kitten and Puppy Shower. They will be live streaming videos of bottle fed kittens and puppies throughout the day. Tune in for the cuteness and check out their wishlist for supplies to help orphaned animals in need. You can order online and have it sent directly to the shelter. Learn more
CVRep Clothing Drive
Clean out your closets and donate your gently used clothing on Thursday, May 7 from 3:00–5:00 p.m. at CVRep’s Clothing Drive, benefiting Well in the Desert‘s mission to help the homeless. Warm weather wear will be in high demand, and socks and undergarments are always needed. Social distancing will be observed with curbside drop-off. Just pop the trunk when you pull up to the Theatre’s entrance off Lalo Guerrero Road in Cathedral City.
Theatre Thursday: Musical Showstoppers
Join CVRep on Thursday, May 7 at 6:00 p.m. for another educational evening of musical theatre. In Glenn Rosenblum‘s second lecture in the series, he will bring to life some of Broadway’s biggest showstoppers – from Impossible Dream to Send in the Clowns! Glenn’s extensive knowledge of musicals and the history of their development are presented in a fun and informative 1-hour talk. More info
HUMP! Film Festival has been bringing audiences a new kind of porn since 2005. If you missed this year’s edition when it was in Palm Springs this year on February 29, you can now catch the same lineup of hot, sexy, creative, and kinky short films in an online livestream with dates from May 9 through June 12. Hosted by Dan Savage. More info
ShortFest 2020 Moves Online
The Palm Springs International Film Society has announced that their 2020 ShortFest will be a virtual event this year. The Official Selection will be announced in early June, with a selection of those films available for screening on their website for free from June 16–22, the original dates of the festival. There will also be virtual classes and panels with industry guests as part of the ShortFest Forum. 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:
Join Eisenhower Health and The LGBT Community Center of the Desert for a discussion on Healthy Take Out/Delivery on Wednesday, May 6 from 5:30–6:30 p.m. on Zoom. Having someone else prepare your food lessens the overall burden of shopping, meal-planning, cooking, and cleaning up, which is a big perk these days. However, even if takeout feels like a treat, it’s still important to be mindful about what you order and keep it healthy — and safe. Speakers for this event include; Bec McDorman, MS, RDN and community members are invited to participate. More info
Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market is Open
The Certified Farmers’ Markets in La Quinta and Palm Desert have closed for the season, but the Palm Springs Market is still open for business, Saturday from 8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. next to the Palm Springs Cultural Center. The same great produce that you love is still available but the way we shop has changed to protect the health and safety of everyone during the COVID-19 pandemic. Follow the link for more info and for their 5 Tips for Shopping the Certified Farmers’ Market in Uncertain Times: Learn more
CV Independent May Print Edition is Here
Available for free at locations across the valley, the CV Independent print edition continues an extraordinary commitment to covering local news with an independent, alternative perspective. Pick it for free at locations across the valley, including Albertsons, Whole Foods, AM/PMs and all sorts of other essential businesses, [view it online] or have it [delivered to your house].
Virtual Cinema at Palm Springs Cultural Center
The Palm Springs Cultural Center’sVirtual Cinema gives you the ability to view new films that are Palm Springs premieres, along with favorites from film festivals in the comfort of your own home. Added this week: Crescendo, the story of a group of young Palestinian and Israeli musicians coming together under the direction of a world famous conductor to create a chamber orchestra dedicated to peace in the region. [View Trailer] and Get your V-Ticket
Genuine Movie Theatre Popcorn Curbside Pickup
Mary Pickford Theatre – D’Place Entertainment continues to offer freshly popped Movie Theater Popcorn Friday & Saturday, from 5:00–7:30 p.m.. Guests can get their fix of movie theater popcorn and a selection of other movie night snacks (drinks, candy) with convenient curbside pickup. 100% of proceeds go to support staff at D’Place during the COVID-19 shutdown. Email and phone ordering ahead of time with pre-payment is available. More info
LGBTQ Community Survey
If you haven’t already, please take part in the Community Marketing & Insights (CMI) 14th 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. 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. Think of it as the gay census! [Click here] to start the survey
