Gay Desert Guide Weekend: Sept. 18–20, 2020

I Love Gay Palm Springs Podcast – Episode 63

We’re talking restaurants, elections, moving up in Covid19 designation, bad air and women making All That Jazz in episode 63…John Taylor and comedian Shann Carr are joined by power couple Gail Christian and Lucy DeBardelaben of palmspringswomensjazzfestival.org, Dr Laura Rush, Jimmy Boegle of CVIndependent.com, Brad Fuhr of GayDesertGuide.com and food blogger extraordinaire Charles Drabkin. [Listen] or [Watch]

**Use discount code GDG10 to save 10% when you order from our podcast sponsor Out & About CBD.**

Dining Out(Side) at Il Giardino

Our Gay Desert Guide Food Reviewer Charles Drabkin has been venturing back out into the world of dining out(side) and this time he’s gone for authentic Italian cuisine at Il Giardino, ordering dishes that are as much fun to say as they are to eat: Polpette della Casa, Fettuccine Al Ragu, Vitello Piccata al Limone, and Branzino Al Forno. Read on for Charles’ take on the patio setting, safety precautions, service, and of course the food! [Full article]

KGAY 106.5 Virtual Summer Concert Series – Kristine W

Gay Desert Guide is pleased to be a Media Sponsor of KGAY’s 106.5 Virtual Summer Concert Series. This virtual concert series is designed to keep you entertained and safe this summer, while benefiting our local artists. This Sunday, September 20 at 5:00 p.m. the featured artist is Kristine W, wrapping up the series! Get tickets

Cinema Diverse LGBTQ Film Fest 2020

The Palm Springs Cultural Center presents Cinema Diverse: The Palm Springs LGBTQ Film Festival in its 13th year, running from now through Wednesday, September 30. They have re-envisioned the festival to continue to bring you the latest in quality LGBTQ+ cinema in the healthiest way possible. This year you can experience the festival in two unique ways: virtually from the comfort of your recliner at home or at the new PS Cultural Center Drive-In Experience (now with Super-Sized screen!). They are featuring three Cinema Divers films from Friday through Sunday: “David’s Friend,” “Cicada,” and “Luz.” Virtual Cinema Feature Films, Shorts, and Documentaries are available online through PSCC’s Virtual Cinema program and can be viewed at your leisure, with All-Access Passes, Six-Packs, and Single Film passes available. More info

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Monologue Mania from CVRep

CVRep’s Theatre Thursday series presents “Monologue Mania” on Thursday, September 17 at 6:00 p.m. Artistic director Ron Celona has invited seven actors from past CVRep productions to bring key monologues from thought-provoking plays to life.  Performers include: Marina Re (Master Class/La Gringa), Angela Sauer (Venus In Fur/How I Learned To Drive), David Natale (The Chosen), Liana Arauz (La Gringa), Arthur Hanket (The Goat, Or Who Is Sylvia?), Franceli Chapman (White) and Vin Kridadorn (White). More info

 VirtuREAL Wine Tasting: Taste of Portugal

This week, the crew at Bouschet invites you to a VirtuREAL Wine Tasting on Saturday, September 19 at 2:00 p.m. on Zoom, featuring Sandra Gomes of Diniz Cellars, presenting a taste of Portugal: 2017 Santos Da Casa Rose, 2017 Vale dos Ares Alvarinho, 2015 Kelman Red Blend, 2015 Santos Da Casa Reserve Alentejano, and 2014 Apegadas Red Tinto. Wine tasting includes a charcuterie sampling, the wine samples, tasting notes and 10% off featured wines. Pickup or delivery available. More info

Gay Days Update

Originally scheduled for October 2–4, Gay Days Anaheim has been postponed–not canceled–as Disneyland awaits guidelines from Governor Newsom as to when and how they can re-open. Event organizers expect to announce a new date soon, one that will hopefully be before the end of the year. Stay tuned. More info

Virtual Desert AIDS Walk Announced for Oct. 23–24

For the past thirty-four years of walking, the Desert AIDS Walk has ensured that those living with HIV and AIDS continue to thrive. Registration is now open for the 2020 edition, which will be presented virtually. The reason for “The Walk” has never really been about balloon arches or walker t-shirts. It has always been about the collective power of community and our shared vision of a future. This year, you register as always, create or join a team if you like, and then you can walk the traditional route or any neighborhood or trail of your choice! More info

Sunnylands Art Garden Open to the Public for Free

1.5 miles of walking trails in the beautiful and historic Sunnylands Center & Gardens are now accessible free of charge to the public, Wednesdays through Sundays, from 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Access to interior spaces, tours of the estate and public programming, such as yoga and tai chi on the Great Lawn, are currently on hold. Read more

Dennis Hopper Photography Exhibition

An exhibit of photographs by the late actor Dennis Hopper will be on display at The Lighthouse dispensary and boutique through the month of September in conjunction with the launch of the Hopper Reserve cannabis lifestyle brand, founded by Marin Hopper (Dennis’ daughter). See the world through the eyes of Dennis as photographer, born out of the cultural revolution of the 1960’s and beyond. His work has been exhibited all over the world, in Berlin, Spain, Paris, New York City, Los Angeles, and now at Lighthouse locations in [Palm Springs] and [Coachella].

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.

Knit Together with Doug Morris – Mondays & Wednesdays at 3:00 p.m.

Managing Emotions During a Pandemic with Jill Hingston, Ph.D – Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m.

Dating and Sex in the Age of COVID with Arlen Keith Leight LCSW, Ph.D – Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m.

Conversational Spanish – Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m.

Virtual Beginner Tap with Keith Mottola – Tuesdays at 5:00 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.

Full list of The Center’s Zoom programs [here]

We also have Hot Deals at Lulu California Bistro, Eight4Nine, Il Giardino, Peepa’s, Dickey’s, V Wine Lounge, Bouschet, Pinocchio, Runway, and more! See All Deals