White Party grew out of an idea by the late Jeffrey Sanker to have a carefree 1989 Easter weekend here with his friends after a devastating decade of the AIDS epidemic. This weekend, we celebrate with a cloud over our heads again.
This time the threat if from the radical right. At this week’s Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast, that fight was summed up eloquently by our honoree Nicole Murray Ramirez. She succinctly capsulized our LBGTQ struggles over time, but ended with a message of hope:
“We must stand united and send a message to everyone but when you attack the ‘T’ in LGBTQ — and our youth — you attacked all of us. (In) this war against us, we will prevail!
I say to you and to America: Read this queen’s siliconed, Botoxed lips, we are never going back into those closets.”
So I ask: What will today’s generation create out of this darkness to celebrate our eventual victories as Jeffrey Sanker did?
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
For the latest, follow our socials @GayDesertGuide and @KGAY1065 and listen to KGAY Palm Springs wherever you may be!
#ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity #ILoveGayTravel #ILoveGay #SayKGAY
White Party Palm Springs
White Party Palm Springs splashes down from Friday through Sunday, May 12–14 at both the Palm Springs Hilton & the Convention Center. The ultimate LGBTQ+ Music Festival is entering its unprecedented 33rd year with 3 days and nights and a total of 7 amazing parties with global DJ’s, world class recording artists, and amazing specialty acts to keep you entertained non-stop all weekend long! Weekend Passes as well as individual event tickets are available. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday all feature “Soaked!” pool parties at the Hilton Palm Springs Pool, and Friday is the Fluidity party where VINCINT will headline the performers with special guest the legendary Kevin Aviance. On Saturday, the White Out party is for traditional white or your favorite snow and ice costume fantasy, and Sunday features the Orbit T-Dance, outdoors across the street from the Convention Center with dance divas Cece Peniston, Robin S, Inaya Day, Crystal Waters, & Ultra Naté performing.
Before you head into the T-Dance, be sure to stop by the KGAY booth at the entrance to warm up for the party and get a selfie with our go-go dancer! If you can’t make it in person, join us on the air: KGAY’s John Taylor will be LIVE at the Orbit T-Dance, broadcasting updates on all the goings-on from 4–6 pm during the KGAY Sunday T-Dance show. White Party Weekend wraps up Sunday night with the Escape closing party, back inside the Convention Center. Get tickets
Mom’s Dead – An Evening of Comedy with Shann Carr
Shann Carr presents Mom’s Dead – An Evening of Comedy on Saturday, May 13 at Weifel’s Mortuary Chapel at 7 pm, and Saturday happens to be Shann’s birthday! Shann is workshopping her first scripted comedy concert, and this will be a fun, 3rd workshop-night of the raw and raucous stories she’s waited a lifetime to tell about her brilliant, dynamic and evil-genius mother. Shann says “Come forget about your family drama and laugh at mine. A really funny and sorta awkward evening of love, loss and laughter.” And we say, Happy Birthday, Shann! Get tickets
Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival
The Palm Springs Cultural Center presents the 2023 Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival from Thursday–Sunday, May 11–14. Founded in 2000 by the late mystery author and Palm Springs community leader, Arthur Lyons, the popular Film Noir festival includes an eclectic mixture of prestigious and obscure black and white “B” movies from the classic film noir period. The Festival is known for unearthing and screening rare films, restored classics, and for the special appearances of the stars who were in them. Get tickets
John Lloyd Young
The Purple Room Supper Club presents John Lloyd Young on Friday and Saturday, May 12 & 13. Broadway’s Jersey Boy is the Tony and Grammy award-winning Frankie Valli from Broadway’s Jersey Boys as well as the star of the Clint Eastwood directed Warner Bros film. The show is a celebration of classic hits from the ‘50s and ‘60s presented in the authentic acoustic style of original rock ‘n’ roll, Doo-Wop, and R&B standards. Dinner at 6 pm, show at 8 pm. Get tickets
A Cabbello: A Little Bach/A Lotta Bacharach
A Cabbello presents A Little Bach/A Lotta Bacharach at 3 pm on Saturday, May 13 at PS UNDERGROUND, a unique, cabaret-style Palm Springs venue. Get ready to experience the creative geniuses of these two amazing composers, working centuries apart, who broke ground and smashed conventional ideas of form, harmonies, and in the case of Bacharach–songwriting. For many of us, this music was the soundtrack of our younger days. Come revel in his groundbreaking, sophisticated style which he perfected along with his lyricist Hal David, and their muse Dionne Warwick. You’ll hear some of Johann Sebastian Bach’s genius in re-imagined ways, too! Get tickets
The Last Five Years – A Modern Musical
Desert Theatreworks presents The Last Five Years, A Modern Musical, from May 12–21. Told through inventive, funny and powerful songs, The Last Five Years is a two-character musical that navigates the ins and outs – and ups and downs – of a marriage. Written by Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown (Parade), this Drama Desk Award winner is the beautiful story of a couple’s five year relationship. Get tickets
RuPaul’s DragCon LA 2023
RuPaul’s DragCon LA 2023 takes place Friday and Saturday, May 12 & 13, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Meet your icons, shop incredible industry vendors, and see show-stopping performances and surprises alongside thousands of like minded drag enthusiasts just like you. See the queens walk in real life in the infamous Walk of All Walks on Friday, with nonstop main stage performances all weekend and after hours parties too. KGAY Morning Show host John Taylor and Afternoon Personality Chris Shebel are heading to DragCon, so look for their posts on our KGAY Facebook & Insta! Get tickets
Recap: RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Episode 1 & 2
Gay Desert Guide Drag Correspondent Dante Noto is back with his recap of the Season 8 Premiere of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, which arrived as a double episode! The All Stars are introduced in Episode 1, and Dante says “Classic All Stars rules are in effect” in the race to win the $200,000 prize. They also learn that the eliminated queens can win $50,000 in an online fan vote for the best unused runway looks. In episode 2, the queens perform in a live sketch comedy show, “It’s RDR Live,” modeled on Saturday Night Live. Dante says “…my overall impression is that these queens are really going to put on a great show this season and there’s no obvious front runner. Expect fireworks, stunts, betrayals, tears and fashion fashion fashion!” Read his full recap of Episodes 1 & 2 [here].
Coachella Valley Firebirds Advance to Round 3 in the Playoffs
Success continues in the inaugural season for our local ice hockey expansion team, the Coachella Valley Firebirds! This season, they began play in the 2022-23 American Hockey League with the brand-new Acrisure Arena as their home ice, as an owned-and-operated affiliate of the Seattle Kraken. Impressively, they made it to the playoffs and have advanced to Round 3 against the Calgary Wranglers! Game 2 of the round will be played on Friday, May 12 in Calgary, and Games 3–5 (if needed) will be played back on home ice at Acrisure Arena, starting Monday, May 15. Get tickets
Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man
Bus Stop Productions presents Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man in the Tropics Lounge at the Margaritaville Resort on Fridays and Saturdays through May 27, with two shows per night at 7 pm & 9:30 pm. This popular play is set at a local university auditorium where the English department holds its monthly meet the authors event. Robyn is the shy and studious moderator of the event and this month’s featured author is Dan Anderson of Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man. With the help of a hunky stage assistant named Stefan, Dan aims to turn this meet the authors event upside down with a highly theatrical, audience interactive sex tip seminar. Get tickets
The Fab Four Beatles Tribute at The Show
The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Rancho Mirage presents The Fab Four Beatles Tribute on Saturday, May 13 at 8 pm. The Emmy Award Winning Fab Four is elevated far above every other Beatles Tribute due to their precise attention to detail. With uncanny, note-for-note live renditions of Beatles’ classics such as “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “Yesterday,” “A Day In The Life,” “Twist And Shout,” “Here Comes The Sun,” and “Hey Jude”, the Fab Four will make you think you are watching the real thing. Their incredible stage performances include three costume changes representing every era of the Beatles ever-changing career. Get tickets
Medgar X’n James
The Palm Springs Cultural Center is excited to announce its collaboration with the Inner Circle Arts Society, a premier Black-owned arts group in Southern California, for the world premiere of Medgar X’n James on Friday and Saturday, May 12 & 13 at 7 pm. The original solo play, written by Inner Circle founder Joachim Moore, explores the lives and struggles of Medgar Evars, Malcolm X and James Baldwin. Get tickets
Sunnylands’ Films in the Gardens
Sunnylands resumes its semiannual series of free outdoor movie nights, Films in the Gardens, with a selection of three culinary-themed movies presented in partnership with the Palm Springs Film Festival. On Friday, May 12 at 8 pm, they will show The Hundred-Foot Journey. The Kadam family leaves India for France where they open an Indian restaurant directly across the road from Madame Mallory’s (Helen Mirren) Michelin-starred eatery, sparking an intense rivalry. This year’s film series celebrates the 2022-2023 exhibition, A Place at the Table: Dining at Sunnylands. Next week: East Side Sushi on Friday, May 19. More info
LGBTQ+ Pride Prom 2023
Safe Schools Desert Cities presents the 80’s Pacman Pride Prom 2023 on Friday, May 12 from 8–11:30 pm at the Palm Springs Air Museum. The Prom is open to high school and college (up to age 22) students in the Coachella Valley and surrounding communities. There will be great music, great food, dancing, performances by Bella da Ball and her troupe, a photo booth, and more. Get tickets
Friends of Dorothy Pride Award Showcase
The College of the Desert Pride Leadership Team presents the Friends of Dorothy Pride Award Showcase on Friday, May 12 from 6–8 pm in the Pollock Theater on the Palm Desert campus. Students who received the CV Pride Scholarship will receive recognition plus there will be awards and a fashion and drag show. More info
We Are Queer LGBTQ+ Youth Picnic
Join the Environmental Education Collaborative’s Equity and Justice Community of Practice for We Are Queer, a fun-filled community picnic for queer youth on Saturday, May 13 from 10 am–2 pm at the Whitewater Preserve. This is a FREE youth picnic for our LGBTQ+ community with all ages welcome; come for community connection, arts & crafts, storytime, guided nature and bird walks, waterplay and a raffle. More info
City of Indio presents Forward Motion Band
The City of Indio presents Second Saturdays Center Stage on Saturday, May 13 from 6–9 pm, this month featuring music by Forward Motion Band. Second Saturdays is a FREE community concert series for all ages located in downtown Indio in a safe, fenced-in, “outdoor living room.” Enjoy family activities, local food vendors, and craft beer. Come dressed for the weather and the themed occasion. More info
Chubfest at CCBC
Come and enjoy the sun and fun at CCBC Resort with the friendly and diverse Chubfest crowd, Friday–Sunday, May 12–14. Big or small, all are welcome, with or without clothing. DJ Rick will be spinning tunes poolside Friday and Saturday. Stocky photos will be onsite Friday & Saturday afternoon/evening with the 360 Video booth setup. Stop in and get your free 360 video. Also they will be at the waterfall Saturday afternoon for pictures. Bring some friends and make it a picture to remember. You get a printed copy to take with you! More info
Art Pop-Up to Benefit AIDS Memorial Sculpture
Grand Central is hosting Art to Go, a three-day pop-up art sale from Friday–Sunday, May 12–14 from 8 am–8 pm daily to benefit the Palm Springs AIDS Memorial Sculpture Task Force. Donated work by 50 amazing artists includes pieces by Kippi Leonard, Lynda Keeler, Julie Weiman, Kevin Goddess, Trevor Wayne, and others. An Opening Reception takes place Friday from 5–7 pm. Funds raised by the sale of artwork will further fund the creation and installation of a permanent AIDS memorial, designed by local artist Phillip K, Smith, III, in downtown Palm Springs. More info
Before and After Your Expiration Date
PALS (Planning Ahead for LGBTQ Seniors) presents The Care and To-Do’s Before and After Your Expiration Date – Part 2: Caring for the Body on Saturday, May 13 from 9:30–11 am via Zoom. PALS no-cost seminars present up-to-date information, resources and opportunities both for learning and engaging in essential “planning ahead” conversations. Explore the options for end of life, from traditional burial to green burial to composting – yes, composting, to donating the body to science. What information on the deceased is required by a mortuary? Should you shop around? What happens to the body if there is no advance planning? Who will care for your body? What is your plan if you die alone at home? Featured speaker: Kasey Scott, Advance Planning Counselor and Funeral Director, Wiefels Mortuary. More info
Novio Boy
The Green Room Theatre Company presents the Award-winning Novio Boy on Saturday, May 13 at 1 pm at Grace Church in Desert Hot Springs. As a colorful, romantic comedy about the anxieties and ambitions that the main character experiences to transition from childhood to adolescence, the story centers around a first date and the concerns, anticipation, and steps to social maturity leading up to, and through, the date. Get tickets
Architecture Tours by Modernism Week
Architecture Tours by Modernism Week is a season-long series of high-quality, in-depth, small group tours, running now through May. The tours run on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, with most tours beginning at 9:30 am, departing from the Palm Springs Visitor Center. Modernism Week has partnered with PS Architecture Tours to enable participants to learn about the exciting architectural history of the Palm Springs area and experience midcentury modern culture and lifestyle. Get tickets
LOOKING AHEAD
Cinema Diverse Showcase: 1946
The Palm Springs Cultural Center and Cinema Diverse Showcase present the film 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture, from May 12–18, daily at 4:30 & 7:30 pm. This is the film all the community is buzzing about: What if the word “homosexual” was never meant to be in the bible? Follow the story of tireless researchers who trace the origins of the anti-gay movement among Christians to a grave mistranslation of the Bible in 1946. Get tickets
Annual LGBTQ Community Survey
We at KGAY 106.5 and Gay Desert Guide ask you to please take part in the Community Marketing & Insights (CMI) 17th Annual LGBTQ Community Survey! For over a decade, this survey has provided free data to help non-profits, universities, and organizations better understand and serve the LGBTQ community. Also, participation in this survey gives important feedback to our LGBTQ community media and organizations, and provides data to companies interested in serving our community, sponsoring our charities, and supporting their LGBTQ employees. The survey should take about 12 to 15 minutes to complete. Please [click here] to start the survey
Visitor Map & Guide Spring Edition
The Spring 2023 edition of our Gay Desert Guide Visitor Map & Guide (great for locals too!) is available now around town and online. We help you find everything you need to know while visiting or living in the Coachella Valley, featuring the top places for Food & Drink, Nightlife, Shopping, Attraction, Gay Resorts with passes, Dispensaries and other services. You can also view it online, and download the PDF [here].
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!
On the Air at KGAY 106.5
Win a Brand g Columbia River Cruise from KGAY
KGAY 106.5 wants to send YOU on a Brand g LGBT+ vacation to the Pacific Northwest sailing down the Columbia River! Listen Weekdays At 8 am, 1 pm or 5 pm for the KGAY 106.5 Song Of The Day. Then visit the KGAY Contest Page to enter the song name and you’re registered to win our Brand g Columbia River Cruise, sailing in June 2024. You’ll start your 8 day trip in historic Spokane and then enjoy breathtaking scenery from the luxury of your private veranda onboard the American Empress through Oregon and Washington…plus Brand g signature entertainment! Increase your chances to win by entering every weekday!
The KGAY Sunday Tea Dance with DJ Modgirl airs every Sunday from 4–6 pm (right after the Retro Brunch). DJ Modgirl (AKA Kellee McQuinn) is not only the life of the party, she’s now hanging out at The Rowan Window Bar each Thursday 7-10 pm and Friday 4-7 pm. Join her for a cocktail and listen to some great beats! Her moniker is “Music! Dancing! Fashion! Fun!” and she throws down the most irresistible, uplifting beats each week on the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance from 4–6 pm. Listen online
Ross Mathews hosts his popular weekly radio show on KGAY 106.5 airs on Saturdays from 11:00 am–2 pm. Ross is a part-time Palm Springs resident and will be in town for his new standup show at Hotel Zoso June 3rd. He currently appears on The Drew Barrymore Show, RuPaul’s Drag Race and many other projects. He brings celebrity gossip and news, plus a rundown of what’s happening each weekend in #ILoveGayPalmSprings as he plays some of his favorite dance hits each weekend on KGAY. Listen Online
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 party music! Listen Online
- White Party Palm Springs
May 12–14 at the Hilton Palm Springs and Palm Springs Convention Center - The Last Five Years: A Modern Musical – presented by Desert Theatreworks
May 12–21 - A Cabello Presents: A Little Bach/A Lotta Bacharach
Sat. May 13 at 3 pm at PS UNDERGROUND - John Lloyd Young – Broadway’s Jersey Boy
Fri. & Sat., May 12 & 13 at The Purple Room Supper Club - House Party PS: White Lotus Hawaii
Sat. May 20, from 5–8 pm at a private home in Palm Springs - Annual Memorial Day Air Fair and Flower Drop
Mon. May 29 from 10 am–5 pm at the Palm Springs Air Museum - Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week
Jun 2–11 at various restaurants throughout Greater Palm Springs - Ross Mathews: I Gotchu, Gurl!
Sat. Jun 3 at 7 pm at Hotel Zoso - Gay Wine Weekend
Jul 14–16 in Sonoma Wine Country - Out on the Mountain 2023
Fri. Aug 18 from 6 pm–12 am at Six Flags Magic Mountain - Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend
Sep 20–24 at Margaritaville Resort
Welcome New Partner!
The entertainment and fun people at Hotel Zoso bring you ZOSO FUN: food, drinks, pool, and entertainment at Hotel Zoso in Palm Springs, where KGAY’s DJ Galaxy will host Boyz Night Out, poolside every Friday night from 4–8 pm, starting May 26 and where Ross Mathews will perform his show “I Gotchu, Gurl!” one one night only on Saturday, June 3. For info and tix, go to zosofun.com
- Interview: White Party Palm Springs Celebrates 33rd Year
- VINCINT Talks Making White Party Debut, Upcoming EP, & More
- New Queer Documentary Challenges Conservative Religious Views on Homosexuality
- ‘Drag Isn’t Dangerous’ Telethon Raises Over $500,000 with its Very First Livestream Event
- Where to Celebrate Pride Month 2023 in California
LGBT-owned and operated, Papa Dan’s Pizza and Pasta in Palm Desert maintains their consistent deliciousness by not compromising and only buying the same high quality ingredients they bought when they first opened 40 years ago. They are open for lunch and dinner with pizza, pasta, seafood, hot and cold subs, and over 2 dozen salads with vegan and gluten free options available! With our HOT DEAL, you get a $25 gift certificate to Papa Dan’s for only $17.50! Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at Il Giardino, Zin American Bistro, Willie’s Modern Fare, Coachella Valley Coffee Co., Palm Springs Fine Men’s Salon, Destination PSP, Hunters Nightclub, V Wine Lounge & Martini Bar, Low Desert Modern Mexican, Boozehounds, Desert Mischief, Jolene’s, Rick’s, Trevor Wayne Pop Art, AMP Sports Lounge, Monster Shakes, Eight4Nine 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 2023 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.” Ross Mathews is on Saturdays from 11 am–2 pm, 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, followed by DJ Modgirl spinning the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance from 4–6 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)