The Law of Attraction is real. It manifested itself this week in those who have taken this joy ride of KGAY with me. As we come to the end of #SupportYourStation week, I am grateful to those of you who have contributed in ways large and small.
The journey from creating GayDesertGuide.LGBT some 13 years ago to adding KGAY radio has been quite a trip. It wouldn’t have happened without people who believed in me and continue to love and support me.
Of course, my parents and family are a big part of that. I was never ostracised by them when I came out. I was encouraged, celebrated and even a badge of honor for them. (Thanks PFLAG!)
Over the years, I found my tribe in media and we were drawn to each other. My experiences at Windy City Times, Sirius Satellite Radio, Pride Radio, LesBiGay Radio and Frontiers Magazine ended up drawing me to the right people to help create and form KGAY.
When I met Chris Shebel, our KGAY program director and afternoon host, we were just starting out in radio in small town Wisconsin in the 1980s. Little did we know that each other was gay, nor could we have dreamed that one day there would be K.G.A.Y. call letters associated with a real radio station that we brought to fruition.
The Law of Attraction. It also brought me talented morning host John Taylor, our mix DJs Eric Ornelas who runs Safe Schools, DJ Galaxy, one of the most generous people in our community, and DJ Modgirl, who received the Community Leadership Award from President Obama.
And over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with dozens of wonderful people, many of whom are still in our community doing great things. Those who work in the background of KGAY and Gay Desert Guide are wonderful human beings who do this for the love of what we do — not the money. I couldn’t do this without them.
Then there is you. As a listener to KGAY , a “consumer” of this blog and newsletter, and a contributor during #SupportYourStation week, you’ve been brought here for a reason.
Whether we just keep you dancin’ with our great music, provide a lifeline to you knowing you’re not alone, or give you information that makes you a more informed human, we’ve been attracted to each other. We’ve built community in this beautiful place we call home — Palm Springs, California. Thank you for being a part of it.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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KGAY’s Big Splash | Support Your Station Pool Party
KGAY’s Big Splash | Support Your Station Pool Party makes a splash at The Palm Springs Surf Club on Friday, June 26 from 7–10 pm, offering exclusive nighttime access to River Island and the Lazy River. MODGIRL spins live throughout the evening, creating the perfect soundtrack for cool water, warm air, and starry skies. Guests can start early with Happy Hour at The Restaurant from 5–7 pm, and all proceeds benefit the KGAY Support Your Station campaign. It’s a 21+ event designed for summer fun with friends. More info
Palm Springs International ShortFest 2026
The Palm Springs International ShortFest 2026 continues through the weekend at Festival Theaters with world‑class short‑form cinema. Showcasing more than 300 films from around the globe, ShortFest highlights emerging storytellers, acclaimed directors, and future Oscar contenders across thoughtfully curated programs. Attendees can explore genres ranging from comedy and drama to animation and documentary, with filmmaker Q&As and industry conversations enhancing the experience. With the last of the regular run of screenings wrapping up on Sunday, Best of the Fest screenings will take place Monday, June 29. More info
HRC No Time to Spare – Bowling for Equality
The HRC No Time to Spare: Bowling for Equality event rolls into Palm Springs Lanes on Sunday, June 28 from 5–7 pm, bringing the community together in support of the Human Rights Campaign. Teams of six bowlers can register to participate, with individual bowlers welcome and grouped into teams. Registration includes bowling ball and shoes, lane fees, one large pizza per team, and two pitchers of soft drinks. It’s a welcoming, energizing evening designed to strengthen community ties and support LGBTQ+ equality. More info
National HIV Testing Day
Saturday, June 27 marks National HIV Testing Day, a nationwide call to know your status, protect your health, and encourage others to do the same. Here in Greater Palm Springs, we have local resources to make getting tested fast, free, and judgment‑free. Taking the test is simple — and it’s one of the most powerful steps you can take for your health and the health of those you love.
Local resources:
• DAP Health: https://daphealth.org/health-services/free-hiv-testing/
• HealthyPS Test: https://www.healthypstest.org/
Stock the Shelves for Summer
The Stock the Shelves for Summer Community Food Drive invites the community to support the Community Food Bank at The Center on Friday, June 26 from 8 am–4 pm and Saturday, June 27 from 9 am–2 pm. Held at the Food Bank’s location on Alejo Road, the drive helps ensure that no one in the community goes hungry during the summer months. Attendees can drop off donations in person or contribute online anytime, with all items directly supporting local residents in need. More info
Wanderlust Food Truck Festival at Sunrise Park
The Wanderlust Food Truck Festival returns to Sunrise Park on Saturday, June 27 from 5–10 pm, offering a curated lineup of 20+ food trucks and local vendors. Guests can enjoy gourmet street food, comfort classics, sweet treats, and globally inspired flavors in a relaxed, community‑driven outdoor setting. With lawn games, open seating, and a welcoming atmosphere, the festival encourages visitors to stay, connect, and savor the evening. More info
On Golden Pond
The Big Bear Theatre Project presents On Golden Pond, running through June 28 at the Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center. Ernest Thompson’s award‑winning play follows Norman and Ethel Thayer through a summer at their New England lake cottage, blending humor, memory, and the tenderness of family reconciliation. This production offers a heartfelt, intimate staging of a beloved theatrical masterwork. More info
Sycuan Pride Weekend
Sycuan Pride Weekend at Sycuan Casino Resort in El Cajon runs Friday–Saturday, June 26–27, offering a full lineup of LGBTQ+ entertainment and celebrations. Friday features the Oasis Pool Party at 3 pm, Lobby Bar sets at 4 pm, and a Welcome Party at 9 pm hosted by Jazzelene East Coast. Saturday continues with the SPLASH Pool Party at 11 am, followed by A Lil’ Bit Judgy Show at 8 pm with Carson Kressley and Ross Mathews, and Mariam T’s Bad Bingo at 10 pm with performances by Fantasia Royale Gaga, Eda Mame, and Jazzlene East Coast. More info
San Francisco Pride
San Francisco Pride fills the city with celebration Saturday–Sunday, June 27–28, guided by a theme emphasizing unity, resistance, and progress. At Civic Center Plaza, attendees will find free admission, multiple stages of LGBTQ+ artists and DJs, community pavilions, and a vibrant vendor marketplace. On Sunday, June 28 at 10:30 am, the iconic Pride Parade marches down Market Street, featuring contingents from across the Bay Area and beyond. It remains one of the world’s largest and most influential Pride parades. More info
Making Porn
Theatre lovers can experience Making Porn at Prism Theater, with performances running Thursday–Saturday, June 25–28 as part of its full 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
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
- ShortFest 2026 Filmmaker Celebrations
- The Sonoran Palm Springs hosts these electrifying celebrations for ShortFest 2026: It’s Time to Glow! begins Friday from 10 pm–2 am with high-energy dancing and mingling. The fun continues with the surf-themed Cowabunga Filmmaker Party on Saturday from 10 pm–2 am.
- Desert Hot Springs Downtown Concerts
- The city hosts a family-friendly beach party summer kickoff on Saturday from 6–10 pm at Desert Hot Springs City Hall, featuring Gilligan’s Island the Band.
- Dance Ranch / Country Dance Saturdays
- Participants enjoy country western dancing on Saturday from 7–9:30 pm at Step by Step Dance Studio. This LGBTQ+ friendly event includes a lesson at 7 pm followed by two-step, waltz, swing, and line dancing. This week features Beginner Shadow instruction with Rob Ollander-Krane.
- The Book of Merman / Prism Theater
- Prism Theater presents the new musical comedy The Book of Merman Saturday–Sunday at Prism Theater through July 26. This production follows a new musical revelation involving missionaries and a legendary Broadway diva.
- Agave Caliente Terraza – Free Outdoor Concert Series
- Ultimate Poison performs on Saturday at 8 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City. This SoCal tribute band delivers “Glam. Metal. Mayhem.” by performing the hard rock anthems of Poison.
- Desert Sound Sessions at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs
- The Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel hosts a wellness series on Sunday from 9:45–11 am. Partnered with DEN Meditation, the session includes tea and community gathering followed by a guided sound journey featuring crystal singing bowls.
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 just-published 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.
Ask a Gay Doc Episode 36: Cleve Jones – LGBTQ+ Activist
Dr. Renzo Corzano of Desert Oasis Healthcare and KGAY 103.1’s John Taylor are answering your health-related questions in the Ask A Gay Doc series, sponsored by Desert Oasis Healthcare. In Episode 36, Pioneering LGBTQ+ rights and healthcare activist Cleve Jones joins John and Dr. Corzano to talk about his decades of mobilizing our community. From his creation of the Names Project and the AIDS Quilt in the 80’s to 2026’s Seven Days in June Project, Cleve Jones has been advocating for healthcare as a human right for all. Watch the Ask a Gay Doc series, and find out how you can submit your own questions, on the Ask a Gay Doc page at kgaypalmsprings.com.
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!
- Palm Springs International ShortFest
Jun 23–29 at Festival Theaters - KGAY’s BIG SPLASH – #SupportYourStation Pool Party
Fri. Jun 26 from 7–9 pm at Palm Springs Surf Club - On Golden Pond – presented by Big Bear Theatre Project
Jun 18–28 at Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center - Stock the Shelves for Summer Community Food Drive
Fri. & Sat. Jun 26 & 27 at The Community Food Bank at The Center - 4th of July in Greater Palm Springs
July 2–5 in various locations - Eagle Cathedral City Presents WET & WILD Parties
WILD on Fri. Jul 3 at 9 pm and WET on Sun. Jul 5 from 4–9 pm - Depth Charge 2 – Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert
Sat. Jul 4 from 9 pm–1:30 am at Hotel Zoso - Gay Wine Weekend – 15th Anniversary Celebration
July 17–19 in Sonoma Valley
Discover Lennar’s Ara & Nova at Skyborne in Desert Hot Springs, where modern new homes pair easy desert living with breathtaking mountain views, just minutes from Palm Springs. These homes start from the upper $300,000s. Spend sunny afternoons by the swimming pool or take your pup to the dog park. 3–4 beds | 2–3 baths, 1,229–2,583 sq. ft. Models open for tours daily. Skyborne by Lennar is at 62659 Rainbow Lane in Desert Hot Springs. Learn more
Chi Chi Restaurant at The Avalon Hotel on Belardo offers fresh, vibrant California fare with Latin influences. The menu emphasizes seasonal ingredients, plant-forward dishes, and poolside favorites perfect for light bites or sunset dining. With a backdrop of palm trees and mountain views, the atmosphere is casual yet elevated—ideal for both daytime lounging and candlelit evenings. Reservations at Chi Chi through OpenTable. Learn more
Ben’s Flower Shop delivers premium flower arrangements, gift baskets and flower subscriptions with same day flower and gift delivery within the greater Palm Springs area. Events, parties and wedding flower services available a la carte or by custom design. Learn more
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
This Weekend: DJ Galaxy starts the party at Hunters Nightclub for Fur Friday on Friday from 4–9 pm. Meanwhile, MODGIRL lights up the desert on Friday at 7 pm kicking off the weekend at KGAY’s Big Splash | Support Your Station Pool Party at the Palm Springs Surf Club.
Thank you to everyone joining us for the Support Your Station Pool Party! The Support Your Station campaign is still going strong through the weekend, and there’s still time to show your support online. Donations are welcome at any level, from $20 to Business 365—that’s just $1 a day. If you haven’t had a chance to contribute yet, you can still go online now and Support Your Station.
WIN VIP PASSES to Gay Wine Weekend
KGAY 103.1 wants to send you to wine country for one of the most celebrated LGBTQ+ events of the year — Gay Wine Weekend’s 15th Anniversary Celebration in Sonoma. From VIP receptions and winemaker dinners to winery tours, the iconic Twilight T‑Dance, a fabulous Drag Queen Brunch & Wine Auction, and a Closing Pool Soirée, the weekend is packed with world‑class wine, food, and unforgettable experiences. Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page.
WIN the Ultimate Palm Springs Summer Escape
KGAY 103.1—in partnership with Visit Palm Springs, presenting XOXO: The Palm Springs Arts & Culture Celebration (June 11–22)—is giving you another shot at winning the Ultimate Palm Springs Summer Escape! Whether you’re a local looking for a staycation or a visitor dreaming of a desert getaway, this prize package delivers a full Palm Springs experience: a one‑night stay, dining, attractions, shopping, and a spa day pass. Featured partners include Avalon Hotel & Bungalows, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Drag & Fly Tours, Destination PSP, Hunters Nightclub, and more. 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
- Palm Springs Restaurant News: New Owners, Dining Tips & Local Updates
- Nicholas Snow Donates Lifelong LGBTQ+ Media Archive to the LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert
- 8 Coachella Valley Districts for Dining, Shopping, and Art
- The Complex and Surprising History Behind LGBTQ+ Pride Flags
- LGBTQ Icons Honored for America’s 250th Anniversary
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.