We had a fascinating chat with DesertX co-curator César García-Alvarez, a native of the east valley and an openly gay artist. His story about bringing this biennial event to life amidst a pandemic is worth the watch/listen on this week’s #ILoveGayPalmSprings podcast/vodcast. Just as compelling was our chat with author Ronni Sanlo, who was documented in the movie “Letter to Anita”. In the 70s in Florida, she lost custody of her children during the Anita Bryant anti-gay initiative that spurred her LGBTQ activism which endures today to a new generation. And she’s the author of “Today in LGBTQ History”.
Yes, we Zoom together each week and create a video version for Facebook and the audio version for over a dozen podcast platforms that carry us.
It’s Easter weekend and the Coachella Valley is awash with visitors from all over our country, but primarily the drive markets of LA and Orange County. There’s a few more things happening on the calendar, and we’ve reintroduced our Happy Hour Finder on the “After Dark” Nightlife page. That’s certainly a sign of the times! Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide #ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity #ShopLocal and … #WeArePalmSprings
I Love Gay Palm Springs Podcast – Episode 91
John Taylor, comedian Shann Carr and Gay Desert Guide’s Brad Fuhr with special guests Jimmy Boegle of CVIndependent.com, Steven Biller and César García-Alvarez of DesertX.org author and marketing maven David Perry, and LGBTQ+ historian, educator and author Dr. Ronni Sanlo!
The #ILoveGayPalmSprings Podcast is broadcast on Facebook Live, Fridays at 11:00 a.m. 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!
Easter Weekend
It’s Easter weekend and Streetbar is celebrating on their outdoor patios all day with $7 Tito’s Vodka mixed drinks on Easter Sunday, April 4.
Next Weekend: Easter Parade
The Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus presents Easter Parade on Saturday, April 10 at 7:00 p.m. at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. In a creative departure from the Chorus’ usual spring performance, Ethylina Canne will be the Mistress of Ceremonies for a combination LIVE and VIRTUAL Easter spectacular featuring Irving Berlin’s “Easter Parade” starring Judy Garland and Fred Astaire. Ann Hampton Callaway, one of the leading champions of the Great American Songbook, will join the Chorus in a special musical tribute. As a special treat, Lenny Broberg will be doing a LIVE auction providing his services in memory of beloved Chorus member Dave Murdoch. Get tickets
Greek Mom’s Live Interactive Easter Special
Gay Desert Guide’s Fun & Games Dept. and TheMenEvent.com present Greek Mom’s Live Interactive Easter Special on Thursday, April 29 on Zoom. It may be Greek Easter, but that does not stop Greek Mom from answering your questions on love, life and dealing with cousins you hate (don’t get her started about her cousin Toula). Greek Mom (the creation of hysterical comedian Gus Constantellis) is guaranteed to insult and entertain as she hosts her own live advice show. Get tickets
Oscar-Nominated Short Films
The Palm Springs Cultural Center Drive-In Experience presents 2021 Oscar-Nominated Animated Short Films on Sunday, April 4 at 5:30 p.m. See the five nominees, ranging in length from 6 to 16 minutes, plus a selection of additional animated shorts from the Academy’s shortlist! On Saturday, April 3, the Drive-In presents “The Ritz,” a screen version of Terrence McNally’s hit Broadway farce, starring Jack Weston, Jerry Stiller, F. Murray Abraham, Paul B. Price, Rita Moreno, Kaye Ballard and Treat Williams. Get tickets
Mapplethorpe: The Director’s Cut Review
Our theatre (and movie) reviewer Stephen Radosh weighs in on a newly released Director’s Cut version of the 2018 film Mapplethorpe, about the celebrated and controversial photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. Check it out to discover what changed in director Omni Timoner’s recut, and why this portrait of a “complex and layered” man struck a chord with our reviewer. Read the full review here.
First Friday Art Walk on Perez Road
Cathedral City’s First Friday Art Walk is taking place this Friday, April 2 from 5:00–8:00 p.m on Perez Road. It’s a lovely way to spend a warm spring evening! This free event features 9 contemporary galleries and 3 mid-century home stores. Wear your mask and be aware that due to COVID-19 restrictions, indoor galleries will be limited to 25% of occupancy. More info
ANA Inspiration Golf Tournament
The 50th edition of the ANA Inspiration runs from 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
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Desert X on the I Love Gay Palm Springs Podcast 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 are talking with Palm Springs Life editor-in-chief Steven Biller & Desert X co-curator César García-Alvarez!
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
Here’s Palm Springs City Councilwoman Lisa Middleton, encouraging LGBTQ people to run for office on LGBTQ Victory Institute’s National Out to Win Day!
AmDocs Film Festival through Sunday
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
❤️ This Week’s Crushes ❤️
Have you been following our Gay Desert Guide crushes on social media? Every Monday and Wednesday we are highlighting our man and woman crushes, which vary from local to global. Our Man Crush Monday this week is Teddy Grouya, and Woman Crush Wednesday is a tribute to Women’s History Month! Click the images here to read more and see a fun video reel, and keep up with all our crushes by following @GayDesertGuide on Facebook and Instagram
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
The Palm Springs Art Museum has reopened as of 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!
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
LOOKING AHEAD
Star Trek Virtual Speed Dating for Men with Alexander Rodriguez
Gay Desert Guide’s Fun & Game Dept. and TheMenEvent.com present Star Trek Virtual Speed Dating with Alexander Rodriguez on Sunday, April 11 at 1:00 p.m. Set your phasers to stunning and join us for an evening that’s destined to be out of this world! Join other gay, single Star Trek fans for warp speed dating sessions, fun ice breakers, and Star Trek Trivia. BYORA – Bring Your Own Romulan Ale. Bonus points for wearing your Starfleet issue gear! To not join us would be illogical. Get tickets
Modernism Week is Just Around the Corner
After presenting a Virtual Modernism Week in its usual February time frame, Modernism Week 2021 is about to kick off a modified version of the classic events you love, running Thursday, April 8 through Sunday, April 18. There will be two Featured Homes open for timed, ticketed, socially distanced tours, plus outdoor walking tours, narrated self-driving tours, vintage car exhibitions and more! Get tickets
Chill Bar is a warm and fabulous twenty-first century modern venue located on Arenas Road, featuring American Casual dining and bar and they celebrate diversity, open to all! Get your tickets early for the very popular A May Zing Sundays Drag Brunch with show host Mayhem Miller, socially distanced guests and entertainers, a special brunch menu and bottomless mimosas! Save 30% at Chill with our featured HOT DEAL: a $25 gift card for only $17.50!Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at Destination PSP, Palm Springs Fine Men’s Salon, Giuseppe’s, Monster Shakes, Grand Central, Bear Wear, Dickey’s, Johannes, Mary Pickford Theatre and more! See All Deals
