Berlin is a city still showing vestiges of WWII and the Cold War, and largely bases its tourism upon those dark days in history. But the arts are alive and well in this formerly divided city.
Case in point, Breanna Elyce Sinclairé, opera singer and trans woman whom I met up with Thursday evening in one of Berlin’s ”gay districts”. Breanna and I first met in Palm Springs at an EQCA event. She is living in San Francisco and is an accomplished operatic soprano, having sung with both the DC and San Francisco Gay Mens Choruses.
Her amazing career has now brought her to the Berlin Opera Academy where she bested 2000 singers for her spot in this year’s production of Hansel und Gretel in her first female lead as a trans woman. It’s great to see the tenets of our LGBTQ+ community reach into so many facets of life. But the road is never easy and she shared struggles both here and at home with her career and having to prove herself in ways our cisgender counterparts do not.
We were joined by her lesbian co-star, Helena Hedman, shown here with Gay Desert Guide’s listings editor Alex McCune and myself. Hedman is an out lesbian opera singer from Sweden and the two have become fast friends. What a treat it was to connect, learn and ponder the many facets of our LGBTQ+ community and our places in the world. Now off to Prague for Pride and the start of our Brandg Vacation.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide & KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Splash House August Weekend One
Splash House is back for two consecutive weekends in August at the Saguaro, Renaissance, and Margaritaville Resort Hotels. First up is Friday–Sunday, August 12–14. Each resort is a full takeover hosting a poolside stage, rooms, and balconies that are all part of the fun. Desert days continue into the night for the After Hours series, dancing among the planes and under the stars at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Weekend One artists include Dabin, Dombresky, John Summit, Nora en Pure, Polo & Pan, Elohim and more. Get tickets
Skin Contact 3.0: A New Desert Drag & Performance Art Experience
The Alibi Palm Springs presents Skin Contact 3.0: A New Desert Drag & Performance Art Experience on Sunday, August 14 at 9 pm. This scintillating new varietal features The Haus of Derma, Skynsuit, Berlin, and Scarlet Letters with special guests Serena Infiniti and Candy Pain, with music by DJ Sensi. More info
Oscar’s T-Dance Hot Summer Swimsuit Contest
Oscar’s is the “the scene of downtown Palm Springs” with not only their Bitchiest Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays; you can dance into the evening at their famous Sunday T-Dance, from 5–9 pm. It gets even hotter for the next month, as the T-Dance will include a Hot Summer Swimsuit Contest every week from now until Labor Day weekend. One winner will receive $250 in cash and prizes each Sunday! Then on Sunday September 4, a Grand Prize winner will win $1000 worth of cash and prizes. More info
City of Indio Second Saturday: 50’s Rock n Roll
Second Saturdays Center Stage takes place this Saturday, August 13 from 7–10 pm in downtown Indio. This FREE community concert series is for for all ages in a safe, fenced-in, “outdoor living room,” featuring family activities, local food vendors, craft beer, and this week is a 50’s Rock & Roll theme, with live music from The Dreamboats and Tina Turntables. Come dressed for the weather and the themed occasion. Those who would like to bring their own chairs or blankets are encouraged to do so—although a seating area with picnic and wine barrel tables are provided. More info
FERRO Summer Music Festival
FERRO Italian restaurant in Idyllwild presents the FERRO Summer Music Festival, continuing all month through Labor Day Weekend. Musicians from a variety of musical backgrounds will grace the outdoor stage, accompanied by refined Italian cuisine, cocktails, and cool mountain nights. With Jazz Nights, Blues & Soul, and Women in Jazz on Sundays, there is music on Mondays, Tuesdays, and all three nights of the weekend. Access to the performances, and cocktails on the patio, are available without reservations or cover charge. (For restaurant seating, make a reservation). More info
Gender-Expansive and Queer Youth Pool Party
The Center Coachella presents a Gender-Expansive & Queer Youth Pool Party on Saturday, August 13 from 2–4:30 pm in La Quinta (address given upon registration). This space will prioritize gender expressions and identities of all types for LGBTQ+ youngsters ten to twenty-one years old. Queer adults also welcome if acting as a caregiver or chaperoning children. Admission is free, but registration is required. More info
Palm Springs Art Museum Summer Sundays
The Palm Springs Art Museum offers free admission and activities for families with their Summer Sundays program. This Sunday, August 14 from 1–3 pm, learn how artist Leon Polk Smith uses line, color, and shape to create the illusion of space, and then create your own paper cutouts like the artist. Reservations required. More info
Greater Palm Springs Realtors Food Drive Saturday Drop-Off
The Greater Palm Springs Realtors (GPSR) are running a food drive to benefit The LGBTQ Center of the Desert’s Community Food Bank. Non-perishable food items are accepted at the GPSR office from 9 am–5 pm on Mondays and 8 am–5 pm on Tuesday–Friday. There will also be a special Saturday drop-off this Saturday, August 13 from 8 am–10 am. More info
Aerial Tramway Closed through Sunday
Due to extended clean-up efforts after Monday’s flash flood event, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will remain closed through Sunday, August 14. According to Tramway General Manager Nancy Nichols, “After completing a thorough inspection…we realized that it would take additional days for the mud and debris to be fully removed from our equipment and dock area. We sincerely regret the inconvenience this is causing our visitors and appreciate their understanding.” The Tramway is currently scheduled to reopen on Monday, August 15.
LOOKING AHEAD
Marilyn Movie in the Park – With Food!
The Palm Springs Cultural Center presents Movies in the Park on Wednesday, August 17 at 8 pm with another iconic Marilyn Monroe film, Some Like it Hot. This is the final installment of the first annual outdoor summer pop-up film series at the new downtown park in Palm Springs. Also appearing before the screening for photos and fun: The Marilyns of Palm Springs, a local Marilyn-centric performance troupe led by Miss DD Starr of the Palm Springs School of Burlesque. More info. We recommend you place your order ahead of time at Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar for their “Snacks for 2 at the Park” pack, where $25 gets your choice of snack, entree and a treat for takeout just a 3-minute walk from the park! More info
Fahrenheit – An Outdoor Fitness Class
JW Personal Training PS offers a new outdoor fitness class geared for all levels called Fahrenheit, offered every week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 am at Frances Stevens Park in downtown Palm Springs. Personal trainer Jim Weigert of JW Personal Training PS and World Gym has over 25 years experience and he’s sharing it for free (but donations are very much appreciated). Bring a towel and a water bottle because it’s going to be a hot one. It always is! More info
Gay Days Anaheim Discounts Available
Gay Days Anaheim is only five weeks away, September 16–18, and it’s time to make your hotel reservations now, with discounted rates for the Gay Days Anaheim group at the Disneyland Hotel and Paradise Pier. The discount won’t last and hotel rooms go fast. You can also pick up your park tickets at a discounted rate. Newly Added to the Gay Days Lineup: Hot off her heels headlining Disney Pride in NY, and her star turn as the draggiest Teen Angel ever in “Grease” in Long Beach, Jackie Cox is returning to Gay Days Anaheim with her brand new show “The Jacki-E Ticket!” Get the links you need and see the rundown of all the Gay Days events on our event listing page: More info
Get Ready for The Dinah 2022
Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend is just six weeks away (September 21–25), with multiple pool parties, glamorous Black & White Ball and Hollywood parties, and a show-stopping all-female entertainment line-up including Fletcher, Haviah Mighty, Cassidy King, IV4, Zolita, IV Jay, Siena Liggins and 80s music iconic superstar Taylor Dayne. Be sure to secure your accommodations now and get your event tickets! [Get tickets]. Check out this interview where Matt Skallerud of #ILoveGay Today chats with Mariah Hanson, an icon and pioneer in the LGBTQ+ community and founder of The Dinah:
On the Air at KGAY 106.5
KGAY 106.5 and Gay Desert Guide have your passes to Splash House 2022, taking place August 12–14 & August 19–21. We’re giving away a pair of passes for each weekend, getting you into the host resorts, hopping on the festival shuttles for FREE and attending all the pool parties and performances during the day! Enter to win on the KGAY Contest Page
KGAY 106.5 and Gay Desert Guide also have have your chance to WIN tickets to Out on the Mountain at Six Flags Magic Mountain! The event takes place Friday, September 9 from 6 pm–midnight. The entire park goes gay for the night, which provides a safe and inclusive environment of fun for the LGBTQ community, with rides, dance parties, and performers. Enter to win on the KGAY Contest Page
Join all the handsome princes and evil queens at Gay Days Anaheim, courtesy of KGAY 106.5 and Gay Desert Guide! Gay Days takes place September 16–18 at Disneyland resort, a three-day weekend of parties, shows and events that make the happiest place on earth the gayest every year! [Click here] to find discounted hotels and park tickets along with a full schedule, and Enter to win tickets to Gay Days on the KGAY Contest Page
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
- Splash House August Weekend One
Aug 12–14 at the Saguaro, Renaissance, Margaritaville resorts + PS Air Museum - Snacks for 2 for Some Like it Hot at Movies in the Park
Wed. Aug 17 from Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar, downtown Palm Springs - Fahrenheit – An Outdoor Fitness Class
Tue/Wed/Thu mornings at 7 am at Frances Stevens Park - Boy George & Culture Club
Sat. Aug 20 at 8 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage - Splash House August Weekend Two
Aug 19–21 at the Saguaro, Renaissance, Margaritaville resorts + PS Air Museum - Out on the Mountain
Fri. Sep 9 from 6 pm–midnight at Six Flags Magic Mountain - Gay Days Anaheim
Sep 16–18 at Disneyland Resort - Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend
Sep 21–25 at Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs - Pride Under the Pines
Sat. Oct 1 from 12–9 pm in Idyllwild - Palm Springs Leather Pride
Oct 27–30 at Hotel Zoso and various locations around Palm Springs
Welcome New Partner!
From catching the weekend game to celebrating a birthday with a Shakey’s Pizza Party, Shakey’s has fun and games for the whole family. Don’t forget their Fun Zone filled with arcade games and prizes! More than just a pizza restaurant, Shakey’s is the place for family time. Are you hungry? Visit Shakey’s in Palm Springs and enjoy the delicious pizza menu, chicken wings, and mojos. Learn more
- SAY GAY is the Palm Springs Pride 2022 Theme
- Stay Cool This Summer in Greater Palm Springs With These 8 Refreshing Activities
- Terry Ray Brings Authentic Style to The Actor’s Lab in Palm Springs
- Oswit Land Trust Makes Plans for Its Crown Jewel: the Prescott Preserve
- What Does “Gender Expansive” Mean?
At Men’s Grooming Spot, enjoy a cool spa vibe while experiencing men’s massage, skin care, hair, waxing and men’s nails. This spot was created for men to relax, recoup, renew and just be. Let Men’s Grooming Spot send you on your way into life focused and maybe even just a little spoiled. Save 50% with our HOT DEAL and get $100 worth of grooming services for just $50! Get Your Deal
We have Hot Deals at Just Fabulous, Giuseppe’s Pizza & Pasta, 1501 Uptown Gastropub, Runway, Destination PSP, Desert Mischief, Lulu California Bistro, Eight4Nine, Grand Central, Revel Public House, Zin American Bistro, Coachella Valley Coffee Co. and more! See All Deals
Find out what’s happening on any given day by browsing our Gay Desert Guide Online Event Listing Calendar, and for the big picture, take a look at major upcoming events in our 2022 Coachella Valley Calendar of Events.
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.
Don’t miss “This Way Out,” Sundays at 6:30 a.m. on KGAY 106.5. “This Way Out” is the only internationally distributed weekly LGBTQ radio program, currently airing on some 200 local community radio stations around the world. Listen to the latest episode as a podcast on our streaming page (click “Podcasts” in the upper right hand corner)