Hockey season gets underway Friday night, Oct 13 at Acrisure Arena. But the sport is embroiled in controversy over a new NHL policy banning “Pride Tape” and reversing years of LGBTQ+ inclusion.
The Firebirds, the junior team of the Seattle Kraken, have amassed a broad base of support in the Coachella Valley. In just one season, the team created loyal fans, and delivered with a winning season. Now, our part of that fan base is seemingly being discriminated against. But it’s not a local decision.
The backstory is well documented in this Outsports news piece. NPR reports, “Rainbow-colored Pride Tape has been part of pro ice hockey for seven years, symbolizing the sport’s pledge to be welcoming and inclusive. But the NHL has banned the athletic tape, quickly sparking a backlash.”
Bob Tranchida, one of the founders of the Coachella Valley Pride Hockey Association, said in an email that “We have expressed our concern and disappointment to the Seattle Kraken management. In fact, Paul and I will be meeting with the co-owner and CEO of the Seattle Kraken (Tod Leiweke) at the Firebirds season opener to discuss this issue and assess the Kraken’s stance on support for our organization and our community.”
Let’s hope cooler heads will prevail and that the NHL will reverse their stance after public pressure. To be clear, the Firebirds and their parent organization have been fully supportive of our community, and not just with lip service. Back channel meetings like this one will allow our voices to be heard and the opportunity to reverse this draconian policy.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Pride on the Page Book Festival
The Palm Springs Public Library Foundation presents the second annual Pride on the Page Book Festival at the Palm Springs Cultural Center on Saturday, October, 14, plus a special ticketed fundraising ‘celebrity event’ with Armistead Maupin benefiting the Foundation on Friday night. On Saturday from 10 am–5:30 pm, the Book Festival offers a number of panel discussions on topics like Writing the LGBTQ+ Young Adult Novel, Across the Gender Spectrum in Art and Life, Thriving and Surviving Through the Art of Writing, Christian Cooper in conversation with Lorenzo Taylor, A.M. Homes in conversation with Jim Holmes, and much more. See our event listing for more on panels and participating authors: More info
Casual Concours 2023: Tikis & T-Birds
This year’s Casual Concours Charity Car Show celebrates everything Hawaiian and the Ford Thunderbird on Saturday, October 14 from 9 am—2 pm at a new (and old club favorite) venue: the iconic Indian Canyons Golf Resort. Sandwiching the main event are a Kick-off Party on Friday October 13 at 5 pm at Porsche Palm Springs and an Awards Banquet on Saturday at 6 pm at Desert Princess Country Club, plus a Sunday Brunch at Rick’s Cafe at 11 am. 100% of the funds raised at the car show goes towards two charities: The LGBTT Community Center of the Desert and Well in the Desert. More info
Drag Me to The Center
The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert presents Drag Me to The Center on Sunday, October 15 from noon–2 pm at The Velvet Rope in Palm Springs. This electrifying and fabulous Drag Brunch features some of your favorite queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race and All Stars, including Melissa Befierce, Jasmine Masters, Morgan McMichaels, Mayhem Miller, Alexis Mateo, and Ethylina Canne. Plus, enjoy poolside tunes by DJ Galaxy in the most beautiful backdrop of the newest boutique hotel. Proceeds benefit The Center. Get tickets
Best of Coachella Valley Final Round of Voting
The Coachella Valley Independent‘s annual Best of Coachella Valley reader’s poll has announced their nominees (nominated by readers) and voting is now open in the Final Round, which goes through Sunday, October 22. We would love a repeat of our wins last year! Under “Life in the Valley,” for Best Radio Station, please vote KGAY 106.5! Also under “Life in the Valley,” for Best Local Radio Personality please consider John Taylor of the KGAY 106.5 Morning Show, and DJ Galaxy of the KGAY 106.5 Retro Lunch. Galaxy is also nominated, along with KGAY Sunday T-Dance’s DJ Modgirl, for Best Local DJ under the “Arts” section! Vote Today
Lend Me a Tenor
Desert Theatreworks presents Lend Me A Tenor, running through Sunday, October 29. It’s 1934 and the world’s greatest opera tenor, Tito Merelli, has come to Cleveland, Ohio, to save its Grand Opera Company by singing Othello. When Tito is unexpectedly incapacitated, Max, the opera director’s meek assistant, is given the daunting task of finding a last minute replacement. Chaos ensues, including a scheming soprano, a tenor-struck ingenue, a jealous wife, shrimp gone bad and the Cleveland Police department. This hilarious show is guaranteed joy. Get tickets
Evening Under the Stars – Genesis
AAP Food Samaritans presents Evening Under the Stars – Genesis on Saturday, October 14 at 5:30 pm. This SOLD OUT event is back after a 3-year hiatus, and for the 30th anniversary, they are going back to their roots to have a celebration in one of the most spectacular estates in Palm Springs, with abundant food and drink at the home of Brad Lampley & Rigo Lomeli (formerly Houston South). Special entertainment will be presented by Lily Tomlin. The Community Impact award will go to Lori and Aubrey Serfling, and Nelda Linsk, recognizing their long-standing partnerships with AAP Food Samaritans and all that they do in the community. More info
Berlin Live at The Show
The Show at Agua Caliente Resort Casino presents Berlin on Friday, October 13 at 8 pm. Berlin will forever be recognized as the American progenitor of electro-pop artistry with sensually appealing lyrics. Few bands emerging from the era of Berlin have achieved as far-reaching and long-lasting an impact and, rarely, such a timeless array of musical grooves. Get tickets
Friday Fusion with DJ Galaxy
DJ Galaxy, of KGAY’s Retro Lunch and Retro Sunday Brunch, is spinning on Fridays from 4–8 pm with Friday Fusion at Impala Bar & Grill! This Friday T-Dance Happy Hour Social features beats by Galaxy, sexy GoGo boys and daddies, pop-up performances by drag kings and queens and other celebrities, with flagging by Desert Flaggers and hosted by Snatch. This weekly party from the producer who brought back Boyz Night Out celebrates equality, diversity, and inclusion. No cover; food and drink specials throughout. More info
Richard Marx at The Show
Richard Marx comes to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage on Saturday, October 14 at 8 pm. Marx has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, his debut spawned four Top 5 singles, including “Hold on to the Nights” and “Don’t Mean Nothing.” His follow-up, 1989’s Repeat Offender, was even more successful, hitting No. 1 and going quadruple-platinum with two No. 1 singles, “Satisfied” and “Right Here Waiting.” He made history as the only male artist whose first seven singles reached the Top 5 on the Billboard charts. Get tickets
Peter Gabriel: I/O – The Tour
Peter Gabriel comes to Acrisure Arena on Saturday, October 14 at 8 pm. i/o – The Tour will see Gabriel playing new material from his forthcoming album i/o, as well as delving into his peerless catalogue of music, with hits, fan favourites and the unexpected. For the shows, Gabriel will be joined by regular band-mates Tony Levin, David Rhodes and Manu Katché. Additionally, new music from the i/o album is being released on the full moon of each month. Get tickets
Adopt A Pet at Blackbook
The Palm Springs Animal Shelter & Blackbook present an Adopt A Pet adoption event at Blackbook on Saturday, October 14 from 11 am–2 pm. Stop by and check out some of the amazing animals the Shelter has up for adoption, participate in games, win prizes, and while you’re there, treat yourself to a refreshing drink and maybe a bite to eat from Blackbook’s extensive menu. More info
DiversityDHS Sunday T-Social
DiversityDHS presents a Sunday T-Social on Sunday, October 15 at 3 pm at Dillon’s Burgers and Beers in Desert Hot Springs. Come relax with friends for fun and fellowship. Food and drinks available for purchase. More info
Riverside County Scare and Pumpkin Festival
The Riverside County SCARE and Pumpkin Festival takes place on weekends through October 31 at the Riverside County Fairgrounds. This new family tradition merges the playful mystique of Halloween with the rich traditions of the Day of the Dead. Visit a magical town in the spirit world featuring an immersive experience in three gorgeous themed realms: Plaza Fantazma is a haven for family-friendly fun, Cantina Calacas features festive brews celebrating Oktoberfest, and Carnival Carnivore is a heart-pounding haunted house for thrill-seekers ages 16+. Get tickets
Jungle Gym: New Ceramics by Brooks Oliver
Rubine Red Gallery presents a new show, Jungle Gym: New Ceramics by Brooks Oliver from October 13–31, with an Opening Reception on Saturday, October 14 from 5–8 pm. Explore the intricate and astounding ceramic shapes of Brooks Oliver’s Jungle Gym! Ceramicist and University of North Texas professor Brooks Oliver is known for his innovative pottery and is collected by Ikebana fans worldwide. See his latest creations exclusively during his show at Rubine Red Gallery. More info
Paint El Paseo Pink
The 17th Annual Paint El Paseo Pink walk is Saturday, October 14 at 8 am. This beloved community event emphasizes Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and brings together community members to support, honor, and remember our loved ones impacted by cancer. Desert Cancer Foundation has been serving residents for 29 years. More info
OktoBEERfest
Enjoy ice cold brew and German eats at OktoBEERfest on Saturday, October 14 from 6 pm–midnight at the Agave Caliente Terraza at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City. Celebrate one of fall’s favorite holidays with Hop Valley Brewing, Hangar 24, Seismic Brewing, Mission Brewery, Karl Stauss, La Quinta Brewing, Coachella Valley Brew, Golden Road, Smog City, and Craft Ohana. Traditional cuisine being served will include German Chicken Schnitzel, Beer Brat Nachos, Grilled Beer Brat Sandwiches, Bavarian pretzels, and other tasty snacks for purchase along with games and raffles. The Southland’s premier polka party band, Die Sauerkrauts will also perform. Free event, but you get a complimentary beer stein with your $25 drink bracelet. Get tickets
Coachella Valley’s Battle in the Desert
Coachella Valley’s Battle in the Desert brings sport of amateur boxing comes to the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater in Downtown Cathedral City on Saturday, October 14 at 7 pm. PSPD Sgt. Mike Torres is in the main event of this amateur boxing competition, featuring public safety officers and military veterans. Sgt. Torres is raising funds for Grandparents Love, an organization created to support and assist grandparents in raising their children. More info
Western Xposure Fall Weekend #2 at CCBC
Fall Weekend #2 of Western Xposure is back at CCBC Resort from October 12–15, and this one is called XXL Raising Hell. This new event is the more “playful” of the two weekends, putting the sex positive aspect of Xposure front and center. Pigs, Pups, Gear… all is welcome at XXL. No shame, no judgement, let it all hang out. Get passes
Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde
The Bent presents Gross Indecency: The Three Trials Of Oscar Wilde by Moises Kaufman from October 13–29. Based entirely on facts, the play is a blueprint for the price Oscar Wilde paid for his status as a gay icon. With characters that range from Wilde, his lover Lord Douglas, Queensbury, Queen Victoria and London rent boys, Wilde’s story is told through courts transcripts, newspapers and other first person accounts. Kaufman is also the writer of The Laramie Project, a beautiful play about the reaction to the murder of Matthew Shepard. Get tickets
Decades Music Series at The River: ’60s Night
The River’s Decades Music Series, a fundraiser for Desert Cancer Foundation, happens every Saturday in October from 7–9 pm at The River in Rancho Mirage. Dance the night away to live music from talented local musicians throughout the decades and enter a raffle with incredible prizes donated by local businesses, all for an amazing cause. On Saturday, October 14, it’s ’60s Night. Come out and dance the night away to popular dance hits of the 1960s. More info
Mid-Century Moderns
Palm Springs’ favorite musical comedy is back, staged by a brand-new theatre company: Revolution Stage Company presents Mid-Century Moderns playing now through November 26. The sensational hits of ’66 come to life in this delightful original tale of a plucky Midwestern widow who transforms from frump to fabulous when she finds herself at the center of modernity in Palm Springs. Get tickets
Not in Front of the Children
Join The Revolution Stage Company for an unforgettable journey of self-discovery and resilience in Not in Front of the Children, a powerful one-person musical playing from October 12–29. Danny shares what it’s like to grow up ‘different,’ learning to ‘play the game,’ and surviving in a world that feels far from safe. After quitting a job, and suffering a mental breakdown, Danny’s ready to be honest with his sister about who he truly is. But he is quickly warned not to talk about it in front of her children. Get tickets
Revivals Back Alley Event
Revivals After Dark presents the Back Alley Event, a fundraiser to benefit DAP Health and Palm Springs Leather Order of The Desert on Friday, October 13 from 6–7:30 pm at the Revivals Palm Springs Back Alley. Come and shop for resale leather to be ready for Maximum Thrust PS Leather Pride Weekend (Oct 26–29). More info
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LOOKING AHEAD
Palm Springs Pride Honors Awards
Greater Palm Springs Pride presents the annual Pride Honors Awards, a beacon of recognition for outstanding contributions to the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, on Monday, October 16, from 5:30–7:30 pm at the Hilton Palm Springs. The awards announcement marks the approach of Pride Week under the theme of “Drag Now. Drag Forever!” 2023 honorees include:
- Spirit of Stonewall Lifetime Achievement Award: Donald Beck
- Spirit of Stonewall Organization of the Year: Brothers of the Desert
- Spirit of Stonewall Community Service Award: Miss Patsi
- Spirit of Stonewall Volunteer of the Year: Beverly Sweigart
- Stonewall Spirit of Pride Award: Jase Nagaia
- Spirit of Stonewall Friend of Pride: Greg and Dee Dee Barton
- Get tickets
DBA Networking Mixer at Mizell
Join the Desert Business Association for a Networking Mixer at Mizell Center on Monday, October 16 at 5:30 pm. Known for their many programs serving our senior community to promote an active and engaged lifestyle, Mizell also has a very large Meals on Wheels program serving over 800 meals per day throughout the Coachella Valley and down to the Salton Sea. Come learn a bit more about Mizell Center, an active participant in our LGBTQ+ communities, and also take part in the DBA Raffle! More info
Open Social Square Dance Class
Boots in Squares Dance Club is looking for people who would like to learn to square dance! You are invited to an open class on Monday, October 16, at the Cathedral City Senior Center from 6–7:30 pm. Open enrollment continues October 23 & 30 and your first class is free. No partner or experience is required, everyone welcome, no dress code. More info
On the Air: KGAY 106.5
KGAY 106.5 VACAYA Caribbean Cruise Song of the Day
KGAY 106.5 wants to send you on a VACAYA LGBT+ Vacation to the Caribbean full-ship LGBTQ+ cruise! You’ll be sharing and celebrating with 3,000 new friends in February 2024, setting sail from Fort Lauderdale onboard the brand new Celebrity Apex for 7 nights while enjoying world class dining, dazzling entertainment, signature VACAYA activities and mind-blowing parties. Listen for the VACAYA LGBT+ CARIBBEAN CRUISE SONG OF THE DAY on KGAY 106.5 at 8 am, 1 pm and 5 pm! Then visit the KGAY contest page, put in the name of the song, and you’re entered. The more songs you enter, the more chances you’ll have to WIN! Brought to you by VACAYA LGBT+ Vacations and VisitLauderdale.com. More info at kgaypalmsprings.com/contests
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. DJ Galaxy can also be found spinning at Impala Bar & Grill for Divas on the Dance Floor on Thursdays at 8 pm, and the new Friday Fusion T-Dance Happy Hour Social, Fridays from 4–8 pm also at Impala!
The KGAY 106.5 Sunday Tea Dance with DJ Modgirl airs every Sunday from 4–6 pm (right after the Retro Brunch). DJ Modgirl (AKA Kellee McQuinn) is all about “Music! Dancing! Fashion! Fun!” and she throws down the most irresistible, uplifting beats each week. Listen online. This weekend, she will be spinning at the Casual Concours Car Show on Saturday, October 14 from 9 am–2 pm, and then at Evening Under the Stars that night from 5:30–8:30 pm!
On the Air: 103.1 MeTV fm
This weekend on 103.1 MeTV fm, Join Me at the Movies and enjoy timeless and memorable songs from motion pictures all weekend! 103.1 MeTV fm is KGAY’s sister station, featuring a unique mix of timeless and memorable music incorporating a wide variety of classic hits, deep tracks and softer sounds spanning several decades of popular music, including the ‘60s and ‘70s with a touch of the ‘50s and ‘80s. Listen online
103.1 MeTV fm has your tickets to see California entertainment legends The Killer Dueling Pianos, performing at Reforma in downtown Palm Springs for one night only on Wednesday, October 18 at 8 pm. Start your night with Reforma’s renowned Latin cuisine and craft cocktails. Finish the evening on your feet dancing to the sounds of this entertaining duo! Enter to win on the 103.1 MeTV fm Contest Page!
- Pride on the Page Book Festival
Fri. & Sat., Oct 13 & 14 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Casual Concours 2023: Tikis & T-Birds
Sat. Oct 14 from 9 am–2 pm at Indian Canyons Golf Resort - Drag Me to The Center
Sun. Oct 15 from 12–2 pm at The Velvet Rope - Out on the Walk: Celebrating LGBT Individuals on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars
Oct 12–Nov 12 at the Palm Springs Village Green - Riverside County Scare and Pumpkin Festival
Sep 29–Oct 31 at the Riverside County Fairgrounds in Indio - Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market
Saturdays from 8 am–1 pm outside the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Palm Desert Certified Farmers’ Market
Sundays from 8 am–1 pm at the Entrada Center - Pride Honors Awards
Mon. Oct 16 at 5:30 pm at the Hilton Palm Springs - Palm Springs Annual State of the City
Tue. Oct 17 from 5–7 pm at the Palm Springs Art Museum - Modernism Week – October 2023
Thu.–Sun. Oct 19–22 at various locations throughout Palm Springs - Center Stage Gala 2023
Fri. Oct 20 at 5:30 pm at the Palm Springs Air Museum - H3K Home and Design Palm Desert Store Grand Opening
Oct 20–23 - Maximum Thrust – Palm Springs Leather Pride 2023
Oct 26–29 at various locations around Palm Springs - Desert WineFest 2023
Sat. & Sun., Oct 28 & 29 at Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa - The Fantasticks: A Love Story Reimagined
Nov. 1–12 at CVRep - Madonna Bar – Palm Springs Pride
Thu. Nov 2 from 9 pm–2 am at Reforma Palm Springs - Palm Springs Pride 2023
Nov 3–5 in downtown Palm Springs - Palm Springs Pride 5K Run & Walk 2023
Sat. Nov 4 from 8–11 am in the Old Las Palmas Neighborhood - HRC Palm Springs Garden Party
Sat. Nov 4 from 2–4:30 pm in Palm Springs - A Musical Night Out with Billy Stritch
Fri. & Sat. Nov 3 & 4 at The Purple Room Supper Club - One Night Only – Las Vegas: The Golden Age, 1950–1970
Wed. Nov 8 at 6 pm at the McCallum Theatre - Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival
Sat. & Sun. Nov 11 & 12 at the Palm Springs Stadium Pavilion - A Night to Remember Gala
Mon. Nov 13 from 6–10 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage - The Cher Show
Fri.–Sun., Nov 24–26 at the McCallum Theatre
Welcome New Partners!
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The PRIDE edition of the new Visitor Map & Guide has hit the streets…. and we wanted to thank McDonalds for being one of our new sponsors. Visit www.McDonalds.com for the location nearest you and be sure to look for them in the Palm Springs Pride parade coming up in just three weeks!
- Palm Springs Pride Festival Welcomes 10,000 Maniacs and Lisa Lisa to the Star-Studded Lineup
- Palm Springs: A Queer Oasis in the Middle of the Californian Desert
- The Evolution of LGBTQ+ Online Dating
- Plaza Theatre Renovation Plans Include Museum
- A Desert Dweller’s Guide to 24 Hours in Downtown Palm Springs
At Il Giardino Ristorante Italiano, Chef Teresa specializes in homemade Italian/Sicilian foods according to traditional recipes of her birth family and uses her experience acquired over the years to personally prepare the dishes on the menu. Try homemade gnocchi, ravioli, noodles, sauces, gravy, fresh vegetable soups, and desserts and save $20 when you get a $50 gift card for $30! Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at V Wine Lounge, Zin American Bistro, Destination PSP, Thai Smile, 1501 Uptown Gastropub, Rick’s Desert Grill, Men’s Grooming Spot, Boozehounds, Coachella Valley Coffee Co., Papa Dan’s Pizza & Pasta, Trevor Wayne Pop Art, Kitchen 86, Palm Springs Fine Men’s Salon, The Purple Room, Desert Mischief 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 2023-24 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.” 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)