Pride continues to be celebrated this June, but has been muted corporately after last year’s backlash against Target and Budweiser, among others. I was dismayed to read a Forbes article, Companies Blasted For Supporting LGBTQ Pride Last Year—Like Nike And Target—Appear To Pull Back In 2024.
Quietly, many corporations aren’t even posting Pride month messages on social media, the article tells us. There’s no need to boycott any of these companies, but we should be raising our voices to offset the backlash. Our LGBTQ+ annual purchasing power is nearly $4 trillion dollars! We have a voice. That’s one of the reasons I created Gay Desert Guide’s business directory: so you could see locally who supports our community by reaching out to us. That’s why the Desert Business Association exists as well. If you’re a business owner and not a part of us, please consider joining.
Some good news from CBS Sunday Morning: A new study finds a substantial shift in American view on LGBTQ+ issues over an almost 40-year period. In 1985, 64% said they would be upset if a child was gay or lesbian. Today, that figure is just 14%.
Keep up the good fight…
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 #FindYourOasis
Firebirds Advance to Calder Cup Finals
The Coachella Valley Firebirds have been crowned the Western Conference Champions and will advance to the Calder Cup Finals! The Firebirds defeated the Milwaukee Admirals in game five on Saturday night by the final score of 5-1 to win in the best-of-seven Western Conference Finals four games to one. In the Calder Cup Finals they will face either the Hershey Bears or the Cleveland Monsters, whoever wins the Eastern Conference Finals. Though dates are not yet set as of this writing, you can buy tickets for home games now, for Acrisure Arena where they recently honored LGBTQ+ Pride month with a “Pathway to Pride” rainbow crosswalk. Go Firebirds!
Benzaiten – TAIKOPROJECT
The McCallum Theatre presents Benzaiten – TAIKOPROJECT on Monday, June 10 at 3 pm. This isn’t your typical taiko group; they present a dynamic contemporary mix of taiko, music, storytelling, and choreography. Experience the thunderous resonance of authentic taiko drums alongside the delicate tones of bamboo flutes and the ethereal sounds of the koto. And of course, be prepared for their awe-inspiring centerpiece: a 350-pound mother drum that will quite literally make the earth tremble beneath your feet! Get tickets
Pride Night at Dodger Stadium
The annual LGBTQ+ Pride Night at Dodger Stadium is Friday, June 14. The party starts at 5:10 pm in the Center Field Plaza with music and drink specials, and the special event ticket package includes a ticket to the game and an exclusive Dodgers LGBTQ+ jersey. Game starts at 7:10 pm against the Kansas City Royals. Get tickets
Cornerstones of Health
The Eisenhower Health Wellness Series presents Cornerstones of Health on Wednesday, June 12 from 4–5 pm on Zoom. Join Karen Stewart, RN, who will share information to highlight the 4 corners of sleep, exercise, nutrition and stress management. Objectives include the demonstration of their connectedness and resources to improve your health based on the cornerstones. More info
Let Love Be Your Guide
The McCallum Theatre presents Let Love Be Your Guide on Wednesday, June 12 at 3 pm. Grammy award-winning musician Dan Zanes and Haitian-American music therapist and jazz vocalist Claudia Zanes have been collaborating musically since their first meeting in 2016. Their distinctive all-ages electric folk sound is now enriched by the addition of jazz singer Tyree Austin. With electric guitar, three voices, percussion, flute, and trombone, their music intertwines the sounds of early rock and roll, jazz vocals, gospel, Haitian folk, sea shanties, and summer camp sing-alongs. Get tickets
LGBTQ+ Archives Pride Month Display
The LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert is showcasing some of its collection at the Welwood Murray Memorial Library in June in honor of National Pride Month. The Pride Month Display highlights the breadth and depth of the donations and acquisitions received during the last five years. The display includes publications, travel guides, commemorative pins, posters, and other memorabilia, viewable during the month of June during regular library hours: Monday–Sunday 10 am–6 pm, with extended hours on Thursday until 8 pm. More info
Cocktail Cinema: The Stepford Wives
The Palm Springs Art Museum and the Palm Springs International Film Society present Cocktail Cinema, a film series whose theme this season will be films that shed light on the dark side of suburban living, revealing the hidden struggles and tribulations behind the facade of the perfectly manicured lawns and white picket fences. Screenings are on Thursdays at 6 pm at the Annenberg Theater (with a 5 pm movie-inspired cocktail hour in the Meyerman Garden). The series kicks off on Thursday, June 13 with The Stepford Wives, with upcoming films including: Get Out (6/27), Edward Scissorhands (7/11), and Parasite (7/25). Get tickets
Villagefest Summer Hours
VillageFest, the Coachella Valley’s most popular weekly street fair which takes place every Thursday night along Palm Canyon Drive between Baristo and Amado Roads, runs year round, but with slightly adjusted summer hours, beginning an hour later to help beat the heat, running from 7 pm–10 pm from June through September. VillageFest attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world and offers more than 200 booths featuring eclectic art, handcrafted items and unique food. Shops, restaurants and galleries in the area also stay open late. More info
The Boy Who Could Sing Pictures
The McCallum Theatre presents The Boy Who Could Sing Pictures on Friday, June 14 at 3 pm. Meet Luca, son of the famed jester Bustelo. Yet Luca’s talent transcends expectations; his singing conjures breathtaking visions, unveiling the profound truths of the world and its inhabitants. Get ready to be carried off by this captivating tale and a tapestry of music woven from the works of Villa-Lobos, Piazzolla, Bach, and Beethoven, alongside original compositions by Daniel Kelly. Get tickets
Music Space Odyssey Big Screen Concert Experience
Join Leanna and the Free Agents for a Music Space Odyssey on Friday, June 14 at 6 pm and experience the other-worldly wonders of the galaxy. If you’ve ever wanted to experience the Vegas Sphere, this is a similar concert experience, with the band set directly in front of the largest screen in the entire Coachella Valley. The visuals are stunning, the sounds of the live band and vocals of Leanna will take you to another place. Get tickets
ALSO THIS WEEK
Tuesday, June 11
Knit Together – Tuesdays | 10 am–Noon at The Center
Trans Tuesdays | 6:30–7:30 pm on Zoom
Wednesday, June 12
Sacred Wounds Religious Trauma Support Group | 10 am–11am at The Center
Knit Together – Wednesdays | 1:30–3:30 pm at The Center
4 Saints Summer Wine Series: Flowers, Quintessa and Faust | 6:30 pm at The Kimpton Rowan
Broadway Showstoppers with Glenn Rosenblum | 7 pm at CVRep
Chris Thayer and the TCB | 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Thursday, June 13
Summer Cabaret Series: Alysha Umphress | 7 pm at CVRep
The Cosmo Alleycats | 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Friday, June 14
Senior Scam Awareness Seminar | 12:30–2:30 pm at Mizell Center
Echo & The Bunnymen at The Show (SOLD OUT) | 8 pm
Dive-In Movie Series: Trolls Band Together | 7:30 pm at Palm Desert Aquatic Center
Saturday, June 15
PALS Seminar: Forgetfulness & Memory Loss | 9:30–11 am at The Center & on Zoom
Dusty Strings Collective: Mojave Rhythm | 5:30–7:30 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
NEW! Visitor Map & Guide Summer 2024 Edition
Check out our NEW Summer 2024 KGAY 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. Look for the latest edition of our printed version around town if you’re here, or if planning a visit, you can download it right here, right now!
THIS WEEKEND
Juneteenth Celebration Festivities
The City of Palm Springs and the Palm Springs Black History Committee will host a Juneteenth Royal Pageant and Celebration Freedom Day on June 14–15 at the James O Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center to mark the upcoming holiday weekend. The festivities will include a King & Queen Royal Pageant on Friday, June 14 at 4 pm and the Juneteenth Celebration Freedom Day on Saturday, June 15 from 5–9 pm, featuring educational and cultural activities, live music, free food, camel rides, and a tribute to community leader James O. Jessie. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States and was first celebrated in Texas in 1865. More info
HRC Bowling for Equality
HRC Palm Springs presents their “No Time to Spare” Bowling for Equality fundraiser on Sunday, June 16 from 2:30–4:30 pm at Palm Springs Lanes. With an ever-increasing number of relentless attacks on our rights in legislatures, across the country and against our LGBTQ+ youth and their families, we have “No Time to Spare” in the fight for equality. Join your fellow HRC members, advocates and allies at Palm Springs Lanes for a social afternoon of bowling, fun and friends — all while supporting HRC’s work to advance equality for all LGBTQ+ Americans. Get tickets
Samara Joy
The McCallum Theatre presents Samara Joy on Saturday, June 15 at 3 pm. Three-time GRAMMY winner (for her Verve Records debut, “Linger Awhile” and Best New Artist in 2022 and this year, for Best Jazz Performance for “TIGHT”), 24-year-old Samara Joy makes her case to join the likes of Sarah, Ella, and Billie as the next mononymous jazz singing sensation recorded by the venerable label. Get tickets
Coming Up at The McCallum Theatre
- Randy Rainbow | Fri. & Sat. Oct 11 & 12
- Capitol Fools | Sun. Oct 27
- Some Enchanted Evening | Wed. Nov 6
- Palm Desert Choreography Festival | Sat. & Sun. Nov 9 & 10
- Bernadette Peters | Sat. Nov 23
- Come From Away | Tue.–Sun. Nov 26–Dec 1
- …and many more
- Tickets now on sale for the McCallum Theatre’s 2024-2025 Season
Irene Tu
Revolution Stage Company presents Irene Tu on Saturday, June 15 at 8 pm. Tu is an LA-based stand-up comedian, actor and writer who honed her chops in San Francisco. Her first comedy album We’re Done Now debuted in March of this year at #1 on the iTunes comedy charts. Irene has performed at Netflix Is A Joke comedy festival in the highly coveted “INTRODUCING” showcase. Get tickets
Ask a Gay Doc: Hemorrhoids & Sexual Health
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 6, Dr. Corzano and John discuss Hemorrhoids & Sexual Health. 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.
NEW! “Say KGAY” Apparel
This Pride season, the best response to “Don’t Say Gay” is “SAY KGAY!” – Our popular shirts are back with more options to choose your favorite background color and style of shirt. Whether you prefer the shade of Eggplant, Creme, or Army green (or more than a dozen others) pick a color and place our Say KGAY slogan on the front or back of your choice of styles: classic T-Shirt, Relaxed Fit, Long Sleeve, Baseball 3/4 Sleeve, Scoop, Fitted, Tank Top, Racerback, V-Neck and more! Shop Now
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!
KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 FM
KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 and Gay Desert Guide have your chance to WIN 2 Tickets to the 30th annual Palm Springs International ShortFest, taking place June 18–24 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. The largest showcase of short form cinema in North America will be screening 300 shorts from 65 countries. Tickets are good for a ShortFest screening consisting of 4-9 short films programmed together for a cohesive experience. Learn more and purchase ShortFest tickets/passes [here] and Enter to Win on the KGAY Contest Page
KGAY wants to get you out of the desert and send you to Sonoma County for Gay Wine Weekend, July 19–21! You’ll get VIP passes, roundtrip airfare on Avelo Airlines from Palm Springs to Santa Rosa, and a 3-night stay at the Hyatt Regency in Sonoma Wine Country! Experience LGBTQ+ events with winemaker dinners, winery tours, wine & food, music, VIP receptions, excursions, drag queen brunch, auction, and pool party in a luxury destination. Learn more about Gay Wine Weekend and Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page!
The KGAY 106.5 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 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 to KGAY 106.5 online
103.1 MeTV FM
Patrick Evans, CV Independent’s Best Local Radio Personality 2023-24, hosts MeTV FM 103.1 middays from 10–3 pm. 103.1 MeTV FM is KGAY’s sister station, featuring timeless and memorable music including the ‘60s and ‘70s with a touch of the ‘50s and ‘80s. Listen online
- The Cosmo Alleycats – Swing and Vintage Dance
Thu. Jun 13 at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs - Palm Springs International ShortFest 2024
Jun 18–24 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - ONE-PS Lip-Sync Battle 2024
Sun. Jul 7 at 3 pm - Palm Springs Leather Pride 2024: Deeper Than Ever
Oct 24–27
Shadow Mountain Golf Club is the newest member of the KGAY and Gay Desert Guide family. They’re located in Palm Desert and have a totally remodeled course that’s drop-dead gorgeous. They have a huge one-acre putting course called Let’s Flamingo! It’s a blast, even if you’re a scratch golfer. The Birdy Bar and Grill is open every day of the week for Happy Hour and Dinner. They have live entertainment too, so it’s always a party at Shadow Mountain! Learn more
- Here’s Your Gay Pride Calendar 2024
- Southern California’s LGBTQ+ 2024 Pride Events
- Visit Greater Palm Springs Hosts Its Biggest Annual Restaurant Week Yet
- The Dinah Rolls Out Star-Studded All Queer Entertainment Line-up for 33rd Anniversary
- Palm Springs International ShortFest Lineup Includes Films From Francesca Scorsese, Bella Thorne
An essential Palm Springs dining experience, Zin American Bistro has been the place to go since 2004 for wine, creative, fresh, locally sourced cuisine and craft cocktails. Their cooled large patio is perfect for champagne brunches, relaxed lunches and late night dining. Save big with our HOT DEAL and get a $50 gift card to Zin American Bistro for just $35! Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at Hotel Zoso, Men’s Grooming Spot, Monster Shakes, Coachella Valley Coffee Co., Desert Zen Day Spa, PS Homeboys, 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 2024 Coachella Valley Calendar of Events.
Listen to KGAY 106.5 and 92.1 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.
