My first Atlantis cruise took me to Egypt and the Greek Islands in 2003. It was my second time in the country and I knew well it was not friendly to the LGBTQ+ community. But we were not denied entry to the country.
In the 20+ years hence, I thought that we were making some progress with Muslim countries. But the headlines tell another story. For the second time, Atlantis Events has been denied entry into a country — this time Egypt. Just like Turkey, who refused the ship earlier this week, our tourism dollars are not welcome because of who we are.
In a Facebook post, passenger Steve May, wrote of the sting he felt not being allowed to dock in Alexandria, ‘a city founded by and named for one of the ancient world’s most well-known homosexuals”. Alexander the Great founded Alexandria in 331 B.C.
He goes on to write about his experience of rejection in the USA. “As with Turkey, we have been sent away not because of what we did, but because of who we said we are. ‘I am what I am’ is too much liberty for some to bear. So it was in the United States as well not long ago, where even I ended up as a convicted homosexual after a military trial in 2001 for saying ‘I am gay.’ This is just a reminder that for all the progress we have made, our freedom is never secure — for any of us, regardless of who or how we love. Back to Europe!”
May is quoted in The Washington Blade
That follows the headlines from The World Cup where both Egypt and Iran objected to having to play in Seattle’s “Pride Match” during their Pride weekend at the end of June. FIFA allowed the Pride flags inside the stadium during the match.
Our friends at Outright International distributed Pride flags in Seattle. Executive Director Maria Sjödin, said, “Visibility matters. Pride is now being celebrated in more than 100 countries, including this weekend in Seattle. For many LGBTIQ people, seeing a Pride flag in public is a reminder that they are not alone, and that their rights and dignity are recognized.”, according to a report in The Washington Blade.
There’s nothing more visible than a cruise ship full of gay men coming into port. And that was a bridge too far for two countries. Will others follow suit? The cruise companies we work with have destinations in the Caribbean and Africa. Those countries could also decide to ban us from visiting.
With 195 countries in the world, Pride is only celebrated in just over half. That’s not a good report card for our planet. But we fight on trying to change hearts and minds through travel.
Understanding cultures vastly different from our own is crucial in finding ways to achieve acceptance. When we’re not even allowed at the table, and our souls are turned away, the world doesn’t become a better place.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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ALL OUT – A 90s Queer Kickback Summer Dance Party
The Center’s ALL OUT: A 90s Queer Kickback Summer Dance Party lights up Studio 4707 on Saturday, July 11 from 7–10 pm, bringing a full‑on ’90s celebration packed with retro club hits from Flaco the DJ, live dancers, and plenty of queer joy. This annual summer party blends nostalgia with community spirit, inviting guests to relive the era of dance floors, divas, and unforgettable nights out. Attendees enjoy small bites, one drink ticket, and the good feelings of supporting The Center’s programs connecting LGBTQ+ people to resources and one another. More info
Classics at the Palm Springs Cultural Center
The Palm Springs Cultural Center reopens this weekend with two special screenings that invite the community to come together in support of the venue’s ongoing recovery after its temporary closure due to fire. On Saturday, July 11 at 6 pm, the Historic Camelot Theater will screen Jaws, the iconic blockbuster that defined the summer‑movie tradition. Then on Sunday, July 12 at 3 pm it’s a Musical Matinee presentation of The King and I (1956), the beloved Rodgers & Hammerstein classic starring Deborah Kerr and Yul Brynner. Show your support by joining them for these screenings or by making a donation online to help their recovery!
Billy L’Amour and the Love Notes
The cabaret experience Billy L’Amour and the Love Notes takes the stage at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs on Friday, July 10 from 7–8:30 pm. Doors at the Cascade Lounge open at 6 pm, allowing guests to settle in for a night of vintage-inspired glamour and show-stopping vocals. Celebrated drag performer Billy L’Amour brings live vocals, humor, and a signature mix of old-school Las Vegas and Parisian style. Backed by the rich, dynamic sounds of the live band The Love Notes, this event promises a nostalgic yet fresh take on classic entertainment. More info
Jo Koy – Live
The hilarious comedy show Jo Koy – Live takes place at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa on Friday–Saturday, July 10–11 at 8 pm. Comedian Jo Koy brings his explosive, high-energy performance to the stage for two nights of sharp storytelling and family-fueled humor. His rise from a Las Vegas coffee shop to a standing ovation on The Tonight Show was powered by charisma and a gift for turning everyday life into comedy. Having earned hit specials on both Netflix and Comedy Central, he is currently one of the most in-demand comedians in the industry. More info
Wanderlust Food Truck Festival at Sunrise Park
The Wanderlust Food Truck Festival transforms Sunrise Park into a lively outdoor gathering on Saturday, July 11 from 5–10 pm. With more than twenty rotating food trucks and local vendors, the festival offers gourmet street food, comfort favorites, desserts, and globally inspired dishes. Guests can enjoy lawn games, open seating, and a relaxed community atmosphere designed for lingering and connecting. More info
Making Porn
Theatre lovers can experience Making Porn at Prism Theater, with performances running Thursday–Saturday on a run through August 2. This outrageous hit comedy follows the chaos of a low‑budget gay adult film shoot, where a struggling actor is pulled into a world of eccentric performers, oversized egos, and nonstop backstage mayhem. Packed with rapid‑fire jokes, fearless camp, and surprising heart, the production delivers a bold, R‑rated experience. More info
The Book of Merman
The Prism Theater presents The Book of Merman, a new musical comedy running Saturdays & Sundays through July 26 at Prism Theater. This playful production blends Broadway diva mythology with unexpected visitors, creating a spirited and humorous twist on classic musical tropes, offering audiences a fresh, camp‑infused theatrical experience in an intimate setting. More info
ALSO THIS WEEK
- Dance Ranch / Country Dance Saturdays
- A country western dance group welcomes all levels for a night of two-step, waltz, and line dancing on Saturday from 7–9:30 pm at Step by Step Dance Studio. Jan Alden will teach a Beginner Two-Step lesson starting at 7 pm.
- From Struggle to Strength
- This meditation course teaches participants how to respond to life’s challenges with patience, love, and clarity. This week’s session, titled “Be Open to Connection,” is held Sunday from 10–11:30 am at the Dharmachakra Kadampa Buddhist Center. Everyone is welcome and no prior meditation experience is needed.
ONGOING EVENTS
- FRIDAY & SATURDAY • Palm Springs Power Baseball: Summer League 2026 at 7 pm: Watch collegiate ball at Palm Springs Stadium featuring $3 draft beers on Tuesdays, $6 margaritas on Wednesdays, and free admission for kids twelve and under on Saturdays. Palm Springs Power Summer League runs through Friday, July 17, so just one week left!
- THURSDAY–SUNDAY • A Queer Arcana: Art, Magic, and Spirit: Explore how magic and spirituality have shaped queer culture through the works of intergenerational artists showcased at the Palm Springs Art Museum.
SAY KGAY to Save on Rivalry Merch
Ride the Heated Rivalry wave with a fresh batch of themed T‑shirts now available through the Pride Store. Some designs rep your favorite fictional teams from the show, while others turn up the temperature with bolder, more provocative takes. Pick your style, show your fandom, and save 10% storewide at checkout with promo code SAYKGAY – Shop Now
Summer 2026 Visitor Map & Guide – FREE!
Check out the Summer 2026 edition of the K‑Gay Desert Guide Visitor Map & Guide! To help you find everything you need as a visitor or local, we feature the top places for Food & Drink, Nightlife, Shopping, Attractions, Gay Resorts with passes, Dispensaries, and other services, all curated to make exploring the valley even easier. Look for the latest edition at businesses and newsstands around town, as well as at hotels, visitor centers, and participating sponsors, or view it online.
Click below to sign up for our Gay Desert Guide Oasis Insiders Newsletter to get our Weekly Blog, Top 3 Events for the weekend, Hot Deals and Cool Events all delivered to your inbox every Friday!
- ALL OUT: A ’90s Queer Kickback Summer Dance Party
Sat. July 11 from 7–10 pm at Studio 4707 - Hot Spot Bingo with Deven & Ned
Mondays at 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs - Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage
July 23–August 16 at participating restaurants - Summer Cabaret Series at CVRep
Tue. & Thu. July 7–30 - Gay Wine Weekend – 15th Anniversary Celebration
July 17–19 in Sonoma Valley - The Wizard of Oz – presented by Palm Canyon Theatre
July 17–26 - Gay Men’s Social
Wed. July 22 from 5:30–7 pm at V Wine Lounge - Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage
July 23–Aug 16 at restaurants throughout Rancho Mirage - Out on the Mountain
Fri. Aug 21 from 6 pm–midnight at Six Flags Magic Mountain
KGAY 103.1 FM
The KGAY 103.1 Retro Lunch airs Monday through Friday from noon–1 pm, with DJ Galaxy (Vincent Corrales) and DJ Eric Ornelas playing an hour of their nonstop throwback mixes. On Sundays, we put all five hours together for the Retro Sunday Brunch from 11 am–4 pm. Perfect party music! The KGAY Sunday Tea Dance with MODGIRL airs every Sunday from 4–6 pm (right after the Retro Brunch). All our DJs took honors in the Best of Coachella Valley this year! Listen to KGAY 103.1 online
WIN TICKETS to Out on the Mountain
KGAY 103.1 wants to give you the chance to experience Out on the Mountain — the Ultimate Pride Party at Six Flags Magic Mountain on Friday, August 21. This private, all‑ages LGBTQ+ celebration packs the park with thrill rides, drag performances, dance parties, and a full night of community joy. It’s Pride… with roller coasters! Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page
WIN TICKETS to Dancing with the Stars Con 2026
KGAY 103.1 and Sunny 106.5 are giving listeners the chance to WIN TICKETS to the three‑day Dancing with the Stars Con 2026, happening Friday–Sunday, July 31–August 2. It’s the ultimate fan celebration, packed with live dance performances, interactive photo experiences, exhibits, panels, and an all‑star lineup of Mirrorball Champions and fan favorites including Brandon Armstrong, Lindsay Arnold, Alan Bersten, Sharna Burgess, Val Chmerkovskiy, JoJo Siwa, Kristi Yamaguchi, Rumer Willis, and legendary judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli. Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page and the Sunny Contest Page
WIN TICKETS to Oz
KGAY 103.1 is giving you the chance to experience The Wizard of Oz at Palm Canyon Theatre, running July 17–26. Follow the yellow brick road as Dorothy and her unforgettable friends embark on an epic journey filled with adventure, heart, and timeless songs like “Over the Rainbow.” This cherished musical is perfect for dreamers of all ages—and now you could WIN TICKETS to see it live. Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page
Sunny 106.5 FM
Take the sunshine indoors with the Sunny 106.5 Alexa skill — just tell Alexa to “enable Sunny Palm Springs Radio skill” and the brightest variety will be one voice command away at home or at work. Sunny 106.5 is the Coachella Valley’s new home for feel‑good hits from the ’90s, 2000s, and beyond, blending familiar favorites with local updates and weekday weather from Patrick Evans. Play Sunny 106.5 Online
WIN TICKETS to Goo Goo Dolls
Sunny 106.5 is giving listeners the chance to WIN TICKETS to see the Goo Goo Dolls live at The Show on Tuesday, July 21 at 8 pm. With more than 15 million records sold, four GRAMMY® nominations, and an unmatched run of 16 Top 10 radio hits, the band—led by John Rzeznik and Robby Takac—continues to define modern rock through powerful songwriting and impactful performances. Enter to WIN on the Sunny 106.5 Contest Page
- Best Pools to Visit in Palm Springs for the Ultimate Desert Escape
- Love Local Palm Springs Summer Gift Card Program Launches July 13
- A Queer Arcana at the Palm Springs Art Museum
- 9 Farm‑to‑Table Restaurants Readers Love in Greater Palm Springs
- Palm Springs Pride Celebrates 40 Years of LGBTQ+ Visibility and Community
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 2026 Coachella Valley Calendar of Events.
Listen to KGAY over the air, stream it [here], or listen on iHeart Radio with Alexa or Siri by saying “Play K-G-A-Y” 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 heard on Sundays as the Retro Lunch & Sunday Brunch from 11 am–4 pm, followed by MODGIRL spinning the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance from 4–6 pm.
This Way Out, the award‑winning weekly LGBTQ radio program, airs every Sunday at 6:30 a.m. on KGAY 103.1 and is also available on‑demand via our streaming player under Menu>Streams>Podcasts. As the only internationally distributed LGBTQ radio show, it airs on about 200 community stations worldwide and delivers global queer news, reporting, interviews, and cultural features.