This year, I’m grateful for those who surround me in making Gay Desert Guide happen each and every day. We’ve found ways to move from covering the “fun” of Palm Springs – all the great things we cherish and miss – to helping support one another during a once in a lifetime pandemic.
Through our words and pictures here on the website we keep you updated on the LGBTQ communities that make up the fabric of the Coachella Valley. And through our spoken words on the #ILoveGayPalmSprings podcast, we bring a different perspective to you each week with topics that inform, touch and entertain. Dr. Jill Gover’s tips for the holidays are worth a look/listen on the podcast this week.
As we find ways to celebrate a muted holiday season, please support the many virtual events that are being produced with a lotta heart and not a lot of money. Support a food bank, a toy drive or a local merchant or restaurant. And take care of yourself.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide
#ILoveGayPalmSprings
#ILoveGayCatCity
#ShopLocal
I Love Gay Palm Springs Podcast – Episode 75
John Taylor, comedian Shann Carr and Brad Fuhr of GayDesertGuide.com are joined by CVIndependent.com reader’s choice for best doctor in the valley: Dr. Laura Rush! Nino Eilets of TheStandardPS.com has a preview of his year in review issue. Jill Gover PhD of DesertAidsProject.org counseling has tips to stay hopeful, healthy and connected through the holidays. UCSB Student Carley Jacobs takes a break from her Zoom classes to join our Zoom room and gives her youthful perspective on our new normal. The hardest working man in homebound show business: TV/Radio personality Alexander Rodriguez of ontherocksradioshow.com brings on the FUN! [Listen] or [Watch]
The I Love Gay Palm Springs Podcast is now available on Apple TV, Roku TV, Amazon FireTV and Android devices via OutAt.tv. Tune in Friday mornings at 10:00 a.m. to stream us to your TV! (Also available on demand after it airs).
KGAY 106.5 Naughty & Nice Extravaganza
KGAY 106.5 presents four holiday events over two weekends with their Naughty & Nice Extravaganza, streaming live on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday December 11–13, and Friday December 18. All shows begin at 5:00 p.m. More info
- Friday, December 11 – Keisha D and Friends
- Keisha D , David Bader, Bill Lohnes, Eve and Barry Marine
- Saturday, December 12 – Divas on the Dance Floor
- Anita Treadmill, Marina Mac, Stephanie Brown, Anita Cocktail, Dana Charles, Chilane, Ashley Sparks, Kevin Miller, My Mona, Erica Carrington, Jayla D Foxx, Ana Rexia, Rosemary Galore, Tommi Rose, Electra, Summer Clearence, Miss Behven and DJ Galaxy.
- Sunday, December 13 – Kristine W and Friends
- Kristine W, The Palm Springs Gay Man’s Chorus, Kippy Marks, Francesca Amari and Tommy Dodson
- Friday, December 18 – A Very Ethyl Christmas
Not Your Grandma’s Digital Bingo
On Saturday, December 12 at 12:30 p.m., join Sabryna Williams and Chill Bar for Not Your Grandma’s Digital Bingo, now on Zoom due to COVID-19 Stay Home Order restrictions. Just Venmo your $5 tip to @thesabrynawilliams along with your email address and they will send you your cards in time for Saturday’s game. More info
LGBTQ Broadway and the Incredible Contribution of the Gays
The Fun & Games Dept of Gay Desert Guide and TheMenEvent.com present LGBTQ Broadway and the Incredible Contribution of the Gays on Sunday, December 13 at 11:00 a.m. on Zoom. New York’s theater district, best known as “Broadway,” is where LGBTQ Hollywood stars like Marlon Brando and Montgomery Clift got their start. Learn about plays by Tennessee Williams, Edward Albee, and Tony Kushner, stars of the stage like Noel Coward, Ethel Waters, Tallulah Bankhead, Mary Martin, and Joel Grey, plus designers, songwriters, directors, and choreographers who created many of Broadway’s iconic shows. Get tickets
Fun & Games Dept Events in January
Mark your calendar for these Gay Desert Guide Fun & Games Dept. events early in the New Year! We are adding some fun twists to the Virtual Speed Dating format with themed nights hosted by Alexander Rodriguez, and presenting our first in-person event in a long time: a safely distanced “walk in the park” with Comedian Shann Carr, and much more!
- Gay Virtual Speed Dating for Men of All Ages, hosted by Alexander Rodriguez – Fri Jan 8 at 7:00 p.m.
- A Walk in the Park with Comedian Shann Carr…Demuth Park That Is! – Sat Jan 9 at 10:00 a.m.
- Bowties and Bears Virtual Speed Dating, hosted by Alexander Rodriguez – Sun Jan 24 at 1:00 p.m.
- Inauguration Kick Off GAY Game Night Party, with Comedian Shann Carr – Fri Jan 15 at 6:00 p.m.
- Gossipy Potluck and Recipe Swap with Comedian Shann Carr – Sun Jan 31 at 1:00 p.m.
- Star Trek Virtual Speed Dating for Men, hosted by Alexander Rodriguez – Wed Feb 3 at 6:00 p.m.
The Center Announces Transition
Mike Thompson, six-plus year CEO of the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, will be stepping down at the beginning of February 2021 so that he and his partner can move closer to family. Board Co-Chair Mary Sue Allen has been appointed as the interim CEO. Effective January 1st, Mary Sue will step down from her role on the Board and work with Mike to focus on the transition. Read more
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DUI Checkpoint on Friday
The Palm Springs Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint on Friday, December 11 from 6:00 p.m.–1:00 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the city limits.”The safety of our community is and always will be our mission,” Sgt. Arnold Galvan says. “We are still out there in the middle of a pandemic because driving under the influence is still dangerous and puts a further strain on critical resources.”
The Living Desert Closes Under Stay Home Order
WildLights, celebrating 28 years dazzling guests by transforming the The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens into a sparkling winter wonderland, has become the victim of bad timing this year, due to the stay home order which went into effect for the Southern California region on December 6. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens will be closed to visitors for at least three weeks, or until the order is lifted. The Living Desert is evaluating the feasibility of rescheduling WildLights to a later date; ticketholders will be contacted via email to reschedule or receive a refund. Learn more
Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus Holiday Gift Drive
First, due to the Stay at Home Order and virtual shutdown in the state of CA, PSGMC had to make the VERY hard decision to postpone the “Christmas in Palm Springs Drive-In Edition” scheduled for Dec. 19.
However, The Chorus is launching a Holiday Gift and Toy Drive at their booth at the Certified Farmers’ Market in Palm Springs on Saturdays December 5, 12, and 19 from 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. The effort is part of the “Chorus Cares” initiative to help communities with the greatest needs. New unwrapped gifts or toys in original packaging, and gift cards up to $25 will go to the children at Martha’s Village and Kitchen in Indio. More info
The Community Food Bank @ The Center
The Community Food Bank @ The Center is located at 610 S Belardo Rd, Palm Springs and is open for distribution every Thursday from 5:00–7:00 p.m. Regular hours for Food Bank donation drop-offs are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 am to Noon. NEW! – Curbside drop off hours: Thursdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Collecting barrels will be available in front of the food bank facility for easy drive by – drop and go! Note: The food bank will be closed Thursday, December 24 and Thursday, December 31. More info
LOOKING AHEAD
Stonewall Democrats December Meeting
The Desert Stonewall Democrats will hold their general meeting for December on Tuesday, December 15 at 6:00 p.m. on Zoom. The panel will be discussing “Desert Support for LGBTQIA+ Asylum Seekers,” with Anna Lijphart, Director, Oasis Legal Services for LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers, and Craig Scott and Ubaldo Boido. Craig and Ubaldo will be speaking about The House, a safe home for LGBTQIA people fleeing persecution from family, neighbors, religious communities and anti-LGBTQIA laws and organizations around the world. Registration required, and for the holidays, donations are encouraged fro FIND Food Bank, Well in the Desert, and AAP – Food Samaritans. 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:
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.
Conversational Spanish with Guillermo Biro – Tuesdays at 2:00 p.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.
LGBTQ+ Youth Virtual Hangout with Miguel Navarro – Wednesdays at 3:00 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.
Who Cares: Caregiver Support Group with Perry Wiggins – Fridays at 3:00 p.m.
Making Connections During COVID: Men’s Discussion Group with Arlen Keith Leight, LCSW, Ph.D
1st and 3rd Saturdays at 11:30 a.m.
Full list of The Center’s Zoom programs [here]
Much Ado About Nothing
CVRep presents a A Staged Reading of Much Ado About Nothing as part of their Theatre Thursdays, on Thursday, December 17 at 6:00 p.m. Director/Actor Charles Pasternak makes a return visit to CVRep’s virtual world to present William Shakespeare’s comedic play about misunderstandings, love and deception. Set in sixteenth-century Messina, a city on the island of Sicily in southern Italy, Much Ado About Nothing combines elements of robust hilarity with more serious meditations on honor, shame and court politics. More info
Welcome New Partners!
Kevin Rochlitz, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is a knowledgeable consultant and advisor for buying or selling your home. Kevin will be a trusted resource for answers, providing innovative marketing strategies, knowledge of neighborhood features, strong negotiation skills, and helping you understand every step of the process. Your best life begins with a home that inspires you! Learn more
Bloom in the Desert Ministries is an open and affirming United Church of Christ and Reconciling Ministries congregation that worships weekly and connects daily with our community for good. With in-person meeting suspended, they stream services live on Facebook, and they are offering a Christmas Eve Drive-In Service on December 24 at 7:00 p.m.! Learn more
Ryan Allen with Franklin Loan Center has worked in customer relations in real estate and retail management for over 20 years. Ryan’s focus is first-and-foremost, YOU as a client. He is in love with the real estate industry and is passionate about volunteering in the community. Whether you are a first time homebuyer, or an investor, Ryan will walk you step-by-step through the process and make sure your best interest is at hand. Learn more
- Add Your Phone to California’s COVID-19 Exposure Notification System
- What’s Open and Closed Under the Stay Home Order in Greater Palm Springs?
- New Palm Springs Ordinance Limits Third-Party Food Delivery Service Fees
- Modernism Week’s Board Chair Talks About the Challenges of Trying to Make Plans for 2021 Amidst Pandemic Uncertainty
- GED: 10 SoCal Based Podcasts We Love
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Rancho Mirage is LGBT-owned and serves up beef brisket, pulled pork, ham, polish sausage, turkey breast and chicken, with an extensive array of home-style sides from jalapeño beans to macaroni and cheese, plus buttery rolls, complimentary ice cream and dill pickles. With this HOT DEAL, get a whopping 50% off: that’s a $25 gift card for only $12.50! Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at Johannes, Il Giardino, Destination PSP, Pinocchio, Mary Pickford and more! See All Deals