Marilyn Monroe – To Be or Not To Be…in front of the Palm Springs Art Museum. That was the question that our Palm Springs city council weighed Thursday night. I’ve said there’s a better place for her – in another park-like setting. But that isn’t what PS Resorts and some downtown merchants wanted. The outcome: A strange juxtaposition of our beloved Art Museum and a kitchy, highly-popular tourist attraction. So it looks like Museum Way will give way to “Forever Marilyn”. But not forever as there will be a review after a couple of years.
We tackle some pretty weighty issues in our LGBTQ community in this week’s podcast. I hope you’ll take a listen.
And our weekend weather looks great – lots of outdoor activities to do in Greater Palm Springs. Enjoy!
#ILoveGayPalmSprings
#ILoveGayCatCity
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide
I Love Gay Palm Springs Podcast – Episode 71
The new fall season starts with John Taylor, comedian Shann Carr, Brad Fuhr from GayDesertGuide.com, Jimmy Boegle from CVIndependent.com. Dr. Laura Rush, activist Ruth Debra of desert-stonewall.org, Jacki Tringali Nunes of UPS Store Palm Springs, and Andre Carthen of brothersofthedesert.org.
[Listen] or [Watch]
** Desert AIDS Project Offers Free At-Home HIV Tests: [Get Yours] **
Great Autos Virtual Concours
This Friday–Sunday, November 13–15, the Great Autos group present a Virtual Concours d’Elegance. For the past 11 years, they have hosted the Casual Concours with over 1,000 attendees each year in Palm Springs, but this year the pandemic has made such an event impossible. To keep the tradition going, they are holding a virtual concours where you can browse and vote for your favorite fine automobiles; the winner of your votes will receive the People’s Choice Award. Proceeds benefit Sanctuary Palm Springs, a transitional home for LGBTQ+ foster youth. More info
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Brothers of the Desert Virtual Wellness Summit
On Saturday, November 14 from 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Brothers of the Desert will conduct its 2nd Annual Wellness Summit, focusing on Black gay men, called “Still We Rise, Our Stories Matter.” The summit will feature brief dynamic presentations, video excerpts, interactive small group breakout discussions, entertainment and opportunities to connect with group members and allies. Speakers include renowned spiritual leader, author and award winning gospel music artist Bishop Yvette Flunder, social justice advocate and CEO of Tru Evolution Gabriel Maldonado, motivational speaker and CEO of Life Maximizer Donnie Hill, Former Palm Springs Mayor Ron Oden, and will be hosted by Coachella Valley TV personality Bryan Gallo. More info
The Chance Acquaintance Concert with Diane Schuur
On Sunday, November 15 at 3:00 p.m., The Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival presents The Chance Acquaintance Concert, as a livestream on their website. There will be a special guest appearance by Diane Schuur plus pianist Yuko Macbuchi, vocalist Carmen Lunday and Sweet Baby J’ai and the Women in Jazz All Stars. More info
Secret Gay Codes in Iconic Works of Art
Gay Desert Guide’s Fun & Games Dept. & TheMenEvent.com present Secret Gay Codes in Iconic Works of Art on Sunday, November 15 at 11:00 a.m. This virtual Zoom talk will explore key artists throughout history, from Michelangelo to Jasper Johns, who have used secret gay codes in their work–why is this? An hour-long virtual talk by Ignacio Darnaude, creator of the upcoming documentary series HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT – BREAKING THE GAY CODE IN ART, will reveal iconic works of art in a whole new light. You’ll never look at these artists and art in general with the same eyes again. Get tickets
Double “L” Feature at Pride Drive-In
Lesbo Expo, The Palm Springs Cultural Center, and Greater Palm Springs Pride present a Double-Feature Drive-In on Saturday, November 14 starting at 5:00 p.m. AHEAD OF THE CURVE is the story of one of the most influential women in lesbian history you’ve never heard of and the impact her work (including Curve magazine) continues to have today. Growing up, Francis “Franco” Stevens never saw any representation of queer women–she didn’t even know it was possible for a woman to be gay. When she realized she was a lesbian, it changed the course of her life. EXIST, PERSIST, RESIST & THRIVE is a community film focusing on queer women/lesbians. Produced by Lesbo Expo Presents, directed by Shann Carr and Marnie Navarro, the film strives to present visibility, creativity, and community for the Pride community and beyond. Featuring entertainers you love, commentary, funny stuff, and all the creativity the women’s community has to offer. More info
Revivals After Dark: Back Alley
Join Revivals for their next event in the After Dark Fundraiser Series on Sunday, November 15 from 4:00–6:00 p.m. Come get your used leather gear, gay erotica, art, books and much more! Hosted by Charlie Harding, Mr Palm Springs Leather 2020 and Drew Kramer of the Desert Fetish Authority. Get kinky and celebrate leather and fetishes, all while raising money for the community! This event will follow all the safety protocols that Revivals has in place with limited entry, masks required, no trying things on, etc, and will be outside in the back alley, behind the store. More info
Wine Tasting at Bouschet
The Bouschet Boys and crew invite you to two wine tastings this week: Cult Wines on Friday, November 13 at 5:30 p.m. and Sake on Saturday, November 14 at 4:00 p.m. taking place at their new in-person outdoor pavilion (available by reservation). They are also doing this as VirtuREAL tasting via Zoom if you prefer to do curbside pickup or receive your wine samples and gourmet food sampling via home delivery. More info
Buddy 2 Buddy Program Launches
The LGBTQ Center of the Desert is launching a new program, Buddy 2 Buddy, to provide companionship and emotional support for LGBTQ people in need of connection in these uncertain times in which we live. B2B volunteers are trained to provide support through telephone visits with their Buddies. B2B volunteers and Buddies are matched using criteria such as interests, location etc. If you are interested in being a Buddy or receiving calls email charles@thecentercv.org or call 760-416-7790 ext. 158.
Virtual PFLAG Meeting
Palm Springs PFLAG will hold a virtual meeting with facilitator Dan Smith on Sunday, November 15 at 2:30 p.m. on Zoom. PFLAG supports families of gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender, questioning persons, and it’s a safe place for GLBTQI persons seeking validation. In addition to checking in, you can share your thoughts, feelings and insights: How do you think about the future? How can PFLAG-PS support you now and into that future? More info
Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market
The Certified Farmers’ Market in Palm Springs is Saturday, November 14, from 8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m., next to the Palm Springs Cultural Center, with all the necessary precautions in place [more info]. Take a look at this fabulous video which highlights the good work of the Farmers’ Market making fresh local produce accessible: [View here]
LOOKING AHEAD
Creating For the Stage with Dezart Performs
Dezart Performs presents a special free virtual series, Creating for the Stage: Discussions with the People that Make Shows Happen, online every Wednesday through December 2. Featuring actors, designers, creatives, playwrights and directors from their sold out 2019-20 season, the series is optimistic proof of the group’s mission this year: Still Here … and Dreaming. This week, Wednesday, November 18 at 5:30 p.m.: Meet the Cast Members with Hand to God actors Eddie Vona, Yo Younger and Danny Gomez. More info
The Economic Future of the Coachella Valley
A free webinar series from the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership, Palm Springs Life, and SBEMP Attorneys wraps up the 9-part series on Wednesday, November 18 at 2:00 p.m. exploring how the Coachella Valley will bounce back from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This installment, “The Future is Economic Diversity,” asks the question: Is the region too dependent on tourism? Joe Wallace of CVEP and his guests discuss how to diversify the economy of the Coachella Valley.. 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]
Welcome New Partners
A Fair Way Mediation Center has helped couples through divorce issues for more than 25 years. They offer a relaxed, informal atmosphere allowing fast and workable settlements for divorce, legal separation, child custody or property disputes. Experienced in same sex marriages, domestic partnerships, and alternative relationships. DBA Member. Learn more
HR Simplistic helps organizations large and small establish, out-source and troubleshoot any and all Human Capitol/Human Resource functions. Their purpose is to provide employers with simplified, personal and tailored human resources outsourcing that will fit with all their business needs. LGBTQ owned and DBA member. Learn more
- Palm Springs Prepares for Possible Return of ‘Forever Marilyn’ Sculpture
- Lifetime Announces Casting for Network’s First Holiday Movie with LGBTQ Storyline
- Gloria Wins Historic Race in San Diego
- Gemma Chan, KiKi Layne Join Olivia Wilde’s ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ to Film in Palm Springs
- Thanksgiving Dinners in Greater Palm Springs for 2020
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, Runway, Peepa’s, Pinocchio, Destination PSP, Palm Springs Fine Men’s Salon and more! See All Deals