A court in Russia on Tuesday officially designated a prominent LGBTQ+ rights organization, Coming Out, as an extremist group. This action appears to further marginalize the country’s already vulnerable LGBTQ+ community, which has faced a significant escalation in repression in recent years under President Vladimir Putin.
In a closed-door hearing, the St. Petersburg City Court designated the group as “extremist.” The authorities disclosed no specifics regarding the lawsuit filed by Russia’s Justice Ministry last month, which has been classified as secret.
Coming Out, which now operates from abroad, said it will continue to help LGBTQ+ people in Russia and beyond, and fight for their rights despite the ruling.
Monday, March 1 was deemed Zero Discrimination Day by Outright International. According to their website, discrimination against LGBTIQ people across Asia is written into law. Consensual same-sex intimacy is criminalized in several countries. Trans people are denied identity documents. Intersex children undergo medically unnecessary surgeries without protection. And nowhere in the region—not in a single country—is there a comprehensive law that protects LGBTIQ people from discrimination in employment, housing, education, health care, and public services.
At home, approximately 1,700 transgender Kansas residents are affected by a law that invalidates driver’s licenses with updated gender markers. In other words, if you’re trans, you suddenly can’t drive. It’s a cruel law that continues to show how what we experience in the US is going down the path of what’s happening in communist Russia and Asia.
This law will be challenged, but in the meantime it’s upsetting lives of trans individuals who only want to be who they are. What possible motivation other than cruelty, can be at play? But thanks to Lyft (not Uber), those affected can get 50% of rides with the code TRANSJOY. Take that, Kansas!
It’s no longer “one step forward, two steps back”. And organizations like Coming Out, Outright International and a myriad of other agencies in the United States are more important than ever. So support them at every turn.
I still find time to celebrate how far we have come, especially in California, as Cathedral City LGBT+ Days happens this weekend. Friday night, the PRO-EQUALITY Rally happens on the steps of City Hall with elected officials and community leaders, Pride Flag Raising at City Hall, and the Mayor’s proclamation officially opening Cathedral City LGBT+ Days.
On both Saturday and Sunday, organizations like the Transgender Health & Wellness Center, HRC and others will have booths as you enjoy the weekend’s fun and frivolity. So take time to stop by, say hello to every group who is there, and let them know you stand with them. Stop by the K-GAY Desert Guide booth Saturday in the amphitheater and Sunday near the bed race and say hi as well!
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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Cathedral City LGBT Days
Cathedral City welcomes all to the 10th Annual LGBT+ Days from Friday–Sunday, March 6–8 with a full weekend of community pride, starting with the opening ceremony on Friday at 5 pm on the steps of City Hall. Festival goers can stop by the KGAY booth at the amphitheater on Saturday to spin the Prize Wheel and check out the artisan vendors, music, food, drinks, a youth zone, a VIP lounge, and more. Come back Sunday to cheer on the KGAY bed in the Parade and Bed Race at 11:30 am—after all, when you came in number 2 last year, you try harder this year! With clocks springing forward at 2 am early Sunday morning, make sure you’re not late. The weekend wraps with Deven & Ned’s Bingo Closing Party on Sunday afternoon at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City. Visit our event listing for the full schedule of times and locations: More info
Fantasy Prom
“Fantasy Prom” by the Desert Sparkles Fund transforms the Palm Springs Surf Club into a joy-filled celebration on Saturday, March 7 from 6–9 pm. Guests can relive—or reinvent—the prom they always deserved with a welcome drink, appetizers, two drink tickets, dancing to tunes spun by Modgirl, a silent auction, and the ever‑popular Wine Wall. Whether you arrive with a partner or come ready to mingle, the evening supports a meaningful cause: providing college scholarships to LGBTQIA+ students across the Coachella Valley. Get tickets
Tennis and Tea Dance
On Saturday, March 7 from 3–6 pm, Mission Hills Country Club hosts a lively Tennis and Tea Dance that blends fast‑paced Liveball, on‑court drag performances, and a high‑energy afternoon of music and community connection. As the only LGBTQ tennis event during The BNP Paribas Open, the gathering invites guests to embrace playful disco‑tennis style, enjoy a complimentary specialty drink, and support the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert through donated tennis gear. Get tickets
Contour Dermatology’s Silver Anniversary
Contour Dermatology marks a major milestone with its 25‑year celebration during Day of Beauty Week, leading up to a special in‑office event on Saturday, March 7 from 9 am–1 pm. Guests can enjoy exclusive savings on popular aesthetic treatments with personalized recommendations from the expert team to help refresh and rejuvenate. The celebration includes an Out & About appearance from KGAY’s John Taylor, broadcasting live from 10 am–12 pm to add even more energy to the festivities. More info
BNP Paribas Open
The BNP Paribas Open is now underway, running through Sunday, March 15 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, and Tennis Paradise is set for another heavy-hitting edition. The 2026 field features nearly all of the top 100 ATP and WTA players, including Carlos Alcaraz, arriving fresh off a historic Australian Open win that completed his career Grand Slam. World No.1 Elena Rybakina, four‑time major champions Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner, and Grand Slam legend Novak Djokovic all make their bids for the title, while Coco Gauff and former champion Taylor Fritz lead a strong American contingent, and Venus Williams played Thursday on a wild card invitation. Get tickets
1979 Time Capsule
Step back into the electric energy of 1979 as award-winning vocalist Tod Macofsky and Palm Springs’ own The Gand Band take you on a nostalgic journey through a pivotal year in music. Hosted at the Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs on Friday, March 6 at 7 pm, this “Time Capsule” variety show celebrates the iconic transition from the peak of disco to the rise of pop and new wave. From high-energy dance floor anthems to sophisticated soul, the performance captures the fashion, stories, and sounds that defined a generation. Get tickets
Palm Springs Art Festival
The Palm Springs Art Festival is back at Frances Stevens Park in its 37th year, welcoming visitors on Saturday–Sunday, March 7–8 from 10 am–4 pm. This beloved Uptown event showcases an impressive range of work across two‑ and three‑dimensional mixed media, ceramics, digital art, glass, jewelry, painting, photography and sculpture, bringing together artists from across the region during peak season. This is the second in a trio of festivals, with the final weekend being March 21–22. More info
Cocktails on the Page: Lucie Arnaz and Laurence Luckinbill
Cocktails on the Page returns on Sunday, March 8 from 4–6 pm as the Palm Springs Public Library Foundation welcomes Lucie Arnaz and Laurence Luckinbill for an intimate literary gathering at a private Movie Colony home. Guests will enjoy a relaxed poolside setting with cocktails and light appetizers while the celebrated spouses join Foundation Board Member Corey Roskin for a lively conversation about their books, their careers, and their shared love of libraries. Each attendee will take home signed copies of both books. Get tickets
Car Show Car Show
Get ready for a day of vintage style and community fun at the Car Show Car Show at Market Market on Sunday, March 8. Located against a stunning desert mountain backdrop, the event kicks off with a classic car showcase from 10 am – 1 pm, followed by a full day of food, drinks, and dancing until 5 pm. Whether you’re a dedicated gearhead or just looking for a lively Sunday outing in the sun, this gathering promises a perfect blend of high-octane nostalgia and festive entertainment. More info
Morning Wood
Morning Wood brings a full weekend of clothing‑optional fun to CCBC Resort from Friday–Sunday, March 6–8, offering guests three days of sun, connection, and the signature playful energy the event is known for. Saturday features the Morning Wood BBQ Party with locals at CCBC, followed by a relaxed pool day on Sunday. With plenty of opportunities to unwind, meet new people, and enjoy the resort’s expansive grounds, it’s a weekend designed for easygoing vibes and community spirit. Get tickets
Yellow Brick Band at The Gardens on El Paseo
The Gardens on El Paseo Concert Series wraps up its 28th season on Saturday, March 7 at 4:30 pm with Yellow Brick Band, bringing the beloved music of Elton John to the Center Lawn for a grand finale. This closing night continues the series’ tradition of pairing great performances with community impact, benefiting Family YMCA of the Desert and supported by charity sponsor Desert Care Network. It’s the last chance this season to “wine down” with live music, local spirit, and a tribute packed with hits that will have the whole crowd singing along. More info
OPENS FRI: Meteor Shower
Desert Ensemble Theatre brings Steve Martin’s sharp, surreal humor to the stage with Meteor Shower, running March 6–15 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center/Camelot Theatre. This cosmic comedy follows a seemingly simple evening of dinner and stargazing that unravels into a whirlwind of absurdity, unexpected twists, and Martin’s signature off‑beat brilliance. Audiences can expect a fast-paced, imaginative ride that turns the ordinary into the hilariously extraordinary. Get tickets
Paula Poundstone
Enjoy an evening of legendary wit as iconic comedian Paula Poundstone takes the stage on Friday, March 6 at 8 pm at The Plaza Theatre. Known for her smart, observational humor and a spontaneous style that makes every performance unique, Poundstone has established herself as a titan of comedy through her work as a regular panelist on NPR’s Wait, Wait… Don’t Tell Me and her role as Forgetter Paula in the Inside Out films. This performance offers a chance to see the first woman to ever host the White House Correspondents Dinner! Get tickets
Also this weekend at the Plaza Theatre: A special screening of the classic film The Princess Bride on Saturday, March 7 from 7–9 pm. Following the movie, star Cary Elwes takes the stage for an intimate moderated discussion to share behind-the-scenes secrets and personal tales from the making of this cinematic treasure. The excitement continues when iconic comedian and actress Vicki Lawrence brings her signature wit to the stage in Vicki Lawrence & Mama: A Two Woman Show on Sunday, March 8 at 7 pm. This hilarious performance includes stories from her Emmy-winning years on The Carol Burnett Show and a feisty appearance by the beloved character Mama. Get tickets
Brenna Whitaker
Brenna Whitaker returns to The Purple Room for two intimate nights on Friday and Saturday, March 5 and 6. Joined by Grammy Award–winning pianist Sam Barsh, she’ll weave songs from her new album Enraptured into the timeless, soul‑rich performances that have made her a favorite of legends like Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, and David Foster. With a voice built for drama and a stage presence that fills the room, Whitaker delivers an evening of jazz, swing, and emotional fire that feels both classic and boldly new. Get tickets
Guys and Dolls
CVRep delivers a bold new take on Damon Runyon’s New York with Guys and Dolls, running through March 22. This dynamic production drops audiences into the grit and glamour of Prohibition, where gamblers, nightclub performers, and missionaries collide in a fast‑moving mix of charm, scheming, and romance. Follow Nathan Detroit’s scramble to launch the city’s biggest craps game, Adelaide’s long wait for a wedding, and Sky Masterson’s unexpected pursuit of Sarah Brown in a sharply reimagined version of the award‑winning musical comedy. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh called the production “Pure theatrical delight!…every element locks together with precision.” Read his full review and Get tickets
Destroying David
Dezart Performs presents the West Coast premiere of Jason Odell Williams’ Destroying David, an intimate and emotionally charged solo work that blends art history, personal grief, and the fragile beauty of what we choose to preserve. Running through March 8, the production invites audiences into a private after‑hours “tour” of Michelangelo’s David, where an art restorer (Aleisha Force) slowly reveals a deeply personal loss and a startling question at the heart of their journey. Our theatre reviewer, Stephen Radosh, says “Ms. Force delivers a remarkable performance… she succeeds in strengthening the bond between herself and the audience.” Read his full review and Get tickets
The Graduate
Desert TheatreWorks stages the iconic coming‑of‑age story The Graduate now through March 8. Scripted by Terry Johnson, the production follows recent college graduate Benjamin Braddock as he’s pulled into a charged and complicated triangle with Mrs. Robinson and her daughter Elaine. Presented in the round in DTW’s intimate Blackbox Theater, the show places audiences close to the tension as this classic tale unfolds. Get tickets
Camp Morning Wood
Camp Morning Wood continues its west coast premiere run, presented by the new PRISM Theater at The 4707 through Sunday, March 22. Fresh from its Off‑Broadway success, this bold and irreverent musical follows a newly engaged couple who unexpectedly land at a gay nudist camp, setting the stage for cheeky comedy, lively songs and outrageous choreography. Get tickets
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
- Jim Breuer: Find the Funny
Fri. Mar 6 at 8 pm at The Show - We Belong – Tribute to Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
Sat. Mar 7 at 7 pm at Hunters Nightclub - San Diego Symphony Orchestra
Sun. Mar 8 at 5 pm at the McCallum Theatre - Ongoing
- Fridays
- Food Truck Fridays | 5–10 pm in Downtown Indio
- Drag Bingo | 4:30–7 pm at Arrive Hotel
- Saturdays
- Sober & Strong | 8–9 am at Atlas Training Club
- Dance Ranch: NEW! INTERMEDIATE FunTwo-Step Turns (6–7 pm) Gun Control Line Dance with Andrew Jimenez (7–7:30 pm) | 7 pm at Step by Step
- Sundays
- A.M. Stream with Modgirl (But Not Sunday March 8, due to Cathedral City LGBT+ Days) | 10 am–1 pm at Café la Jefa
- Fridays
SAYKGAY 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
NEW Spring 2026 Visitor Map & Guide – FREE!
Check out the latest Spring 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 32: Hepatitis A
Dr. Renzo Corzano and KGAY’s John Taylor are answering your health-related questions in the Ask A Gay Doc series, sponsored by Desert Oasis Healthcare. In Episode 32, We learn that Hepatitis A is showing up in our wastewater samples locally. Dr. Corzano has the facts you need to know in the latest episode of Ask A Gay Doc:
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.
LOOKING AHEAD
MON: DBA Mixer at Desert Hand Car Wash
The Desert Business Association gathers for its March Mixer at Desert Hand Car Wash on Monday, March 9 from 5:30–7 pm, offering members and guests a welcoming space to connect, meet first‑time attendees, and spark new conversations that strengthen the business community. The evening features the regular raffle supporting LGBTQ+ youth education scholarships through Safe Schools Desert Cities, along with the business‑card scan perk that provides every attendee with a digital contact sheet for easy follow‑up. More info
MON: Premium Whiskey Tasting
The Purple Room Supper Club hosts a premium whiskey tasting on Monday, March 9 from 6–8 pm, featuring an exceptional lineup of allocated rye selections from Brown‑Forman. Guests will explore two distinct expressions each from Woodford, Old Forester, and Jack Daniel’s, including single barrels and limited releases available only for a short time. It’s a relaxed, guided opportunity to expand your whisky palate and experience the depth and character of three celebrated distilleries in an intimate supper‑club setting. Get tickets
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!
- Cathedral City LGBT+ Days
Mar 6–8 at Cathedral City Civic Center Plaza - BNP Paribas Open
Mar 1–15 at Indian Wells Tennis Garden - Cocktails on the Page: Lucie Arnaz and Laurence Luckinbill
Sun. Mar 8 from 4–6 pm at a private residence - Meteor Shower – presented by Desert Ensemble Theatre
Mar. 6–15 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Guys and Dolls – presented by CVRep
Feb 25–Mar 22 - The Graduate – presented by Desert Theatreworks
Feb 14–Mar 8 - Camp Morning Wood – presented by PRISM Theater
Jan 23–Mar 22 - Premium Whiskey Tasting
Mon. Mar 9 at 6 pm at The Purple Room Supper Club - Comedian Michael Blaustein
Wed. Mar 11 at 7 pm at the McCallum Theatre - Michael Cavanaugh – Movin’ Out, in concert with The Desert Symphony
Wed. Mar 11 at 7 pm at The Show - Fashion Week El Paseo
Fri.–Wed. Mar 13–18 at The Gardens on El Paseo - Sunset Boulevard – presented by Palm Canyon Theatre
Mar 13–Apr 5 - The L-Fund Presents: Luck Be a Lady
Sat. Mar 14 at 5 pm at Renaissance Palm Springs - Palm Desert Food & Wine
Thu.–Sun., Mar 19–22 at The Gardens on El Paseo - Boot Barn PBR Greater Palm Springs
Fri.–Sat. Mar 20–21 at Acrisure Arena - Susan Rice: Funny Old Bag
Fri. Mar 20 at 7 pm at the Annenberg Theater - Red Dress Dress Red Party
Sat. Mar 21 at 8 pm at the Palm Springs Air Museum - Matthew Morrison
Sun. Mar 22 at 7 pm at The Plaza Theatre - PRIDE for the Pride Party
Thu. Mar 26 at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens - Trans Pride 2026: “Empower and Employ”
Sat. Mar 28 from 11 am–3 pm at Demuth Park - You Gotta Have Heart / Desert Winds Freedom Band
Sat. Mar 28 at 7 pm at Temple Isaiah Palm Springs - Palm Springs Speaks: CeCe Moore, genetic genealogist
Mon. Mar 30 at 7:30 pm at the Plaza Theatre - Rock the Park: Songbird (Barbra Streisand Tribute)
Wed. Apr 1 at 7 pm at Downtown Palm Springs Park - Desert Legends Women’s Weekend
Apr 2–5 at Hotel Zoso
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 high-energy 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: Catch DJ Galaxy in action starting with “Fur Friday” at Hunters on March 6 from 4–9 pm, followed by a high-energy set at the Oscar’s Sunday T-Dance on March 8 from 3–7 pm! On Friday, March 6 at 8 pm, Modgirl will provide the soundtrack to Friday Night Fever at Ace Hotel & Swim Club, and the party continues Saturday, March 7 from 6–9 pm at the Fantasy Prom at the Palm Springs Surf Club, and finally Sunday, March 8 at 11:30 am, she takes the stage for an electrifying DJ set at Cathedral City LGBT+ Days!
KGAY 103.1 has your chance to WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS to the West Coast’s largest fashion event, Fashion Week El Paseo, held Friday–Wednesday, March 13–18 at The Gardens on El Paseo. This premier experience features a week of high-style cocktail receptions, celebrity meet-and-greets, and runway shows showcasing the country’s top design talents. It is a perfect opportunity for local fashionistas! Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page
KGAY 103.1 is giving listeners the chance to WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS to The Naked Magicians, the hit Aussie magic‑and‑comedy sensation coming to the Plaza Theatre on Tuesday, March 17 at 7:30 pm, with a second show added at 4 pm. Seen in Las Vegas, London’s West End, and more than 250 cities worldwide, these two performers deliver sharp humor and world‑class illusions with nothing but a top hat and a smile. It’s an adults‑only, R‑rated crowd favorite that has captivated more than 50 million viewers on major TV networks, and you can 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
Sunny 106.5 FM invites listeners to enter for a chance to WIN TICKETS to Palm Desert Food & Wine, returning Thursday–Sunday, March 19–22 in the heart of El Paseo. This four‑day celebration, produced by Palm Springs Life, brings together acclaimed chefs, premium wines, hands‑on demos, and grand tastings that showcase the region’s culinary talent. From the James Beard Gourmet Four‑Course Luncheon to days filled with bites, pours, and craft beverages, it’s a standout weekend for anyone who loves exceptional food. Enter to WIN on the Sunny 106.5 Contest Page
Sunny 106.5 FM wants you to WIN TICKETS to The Desert Symphony presenting The Music of Billy Joel starring Michael Cavanaugh! Handpicked by Billy Joel himself for the Broadway hit Movin’ Out, the Tony and Grammy-nominated Cavanaugh brings a powerhouse performance to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino on Wednesday, March 11. Don’t miss this high-energy celebration of rock & roll classics. Enter to WIN on the Sunny 106.5 Contest Page
- 9 Essential LGBTQIA+ Documentaries for Women’s History Month
- Remembering Douglas Woodmansee: Palm Springs Drag Icon and Philanthropist
- Top Restaurants to Try During the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells
- Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Report: 94 Events and $40M Economic Impact
- Trans Pride 2026: Palm Springs Event Focuses on TGI Empowerment and Employment
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.