We’re still X’ed off X. If you’ve been following the story, X, formerly Twitter, has silenced hundreds of LGBTQ+ profiles, including @GayDesertGuide, @ILoveGayPalmSprings, @ILoveGayCatCity – even the LGBTQ profile for Visit Britain.
As I stated in multiple interviews, while it’s a free speech issue, there’s no First Amendment protections and no recourse. X continues to host and allow all kinds of porn and hate speech, but profiles that lift up and promote our community have been censored for no apparent reason.
Luckily, no one can censor or ban hashtags. So #ILoveGayPalmSprings, #ILoveGayCatCity and hundreds of others can still be used in your posts across any social media platform. It was the accounts that brought these groups together – much like Facebook groups – and those were banned on X.
Hashtags are universally misused — and overused — as most people don’t fully understand how they work. We created a handy guide to hashtags, and it’s worth downloading the PDF if you want to make your posts more effective.
I’ve been asked if we are boycotting the platform. The answer is no, for now. I’d like to try to work within the system to get the profiles restored. The chances of that are about the same as snow in July in Palm Springs, I’m afraid….
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
“Summer School” Wine Tasting
Palm Springs Bottle Shop and Palm Springs Wine Tasting present Summer School Wine Classes, for a series of Sunday afternoons taught by Sommelier Adam Leemon. Enjoy learning while tasting in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Each week is a standalone class, or join in for the entire series. On Sunday, July 14 from 2–3:30 pm, the first class will cover “Wine 101.” Future topics include: “Old World vs. New World,” “Grapes & Regions,” and “Natural Wine.” Palm Springs Bottle Shop focuses on brands created and led by Women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ winemakers. Get tickets
Satin & Lace: A Burlesque Show
Rose Tint Productions presents Satin & Lace, a lesbian burlesque show set to take you on the journey of a lifetime on Friday, July 12 at 7 pm at Revolution Stage Company. Come for a night of glamour, seduction, sirens, spiders, pirates and more as talented performers dazzle you with their skills and sensuality in a mesmerizing display of burlesque artistry. Sit back, relax, and be transported to a world of feathers, glitz and allure. Get tickets
Flashback Friday Pool Party + Comedy Night
Hotel Zoso presents their Flashback Friday Pool Party on Friday, July 12 from 6–9 pm. Dive into a night of nostalgia with the best jams from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s for an unforgettable evening of fun, music, and poolside vibes. Grab a drink and get your groove on as the DJ spins your favorite throwback hits that will take you back in time. Free event, RSVP requested. More info
After the pool party, check out the new Hotel Zoso Comedy Night on Friday, July 12 at 9 pm. Get ready to laugh until your sides hurt at this unforgettable evening of hilarious, stand-up comedians that will have you rolling in your seat. Get tickets
Hot Summer Nights at CCBC
CCBC Resort presents a Hot Summer Nights promotion on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 pm, featuring $23 night passes to take advantage of our hot desert nights! This clothing-optional resort for gay men in Cathedral City features pools, a nude beach, and on-site dining. More info
2024 Best of Desert Community’s Choice Awards Nominations
The Best of Desert Community’s Choice Awards are back for 2024! Join in celebrating your favorite local businesses and organizations with your nominations, including our two radio stations: KGAY 106.5 and 92.1 FM, as well as 103.1 MeTV FM. Don’t forget our on-air personalities John Taylor (KGAY) and Patrick Evans (MeTV FM) as well as DJ Galaxy, DJ Eric Ornelas, and DJ Modgirl. The categories to look for are:
- Entertainment & Leisure > Radio Station – Local
- Entertainment & Leisure – People > Radio Personality/Show
- Entertainment & Leisure – People > DJ – Event/Wedding
We know we have the best audience in the valley and appreciate your support! Nominations are open through July 31. Nominate Today
Happy Hour for a Star
Come support the fundraising for Tristan Rogers to receive a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars on Sunday, July 14 from 4:30–6 pm at Wildest Restaurant and Bar in Palm Desert. Australian-American actor Rogers is best known for two iconic roles: He’s charmed audiences for decades as Robert Scorpio on the soap opera General Hospital, and brought his voice to Jake, the adventurous mouse, in Disney’s The Rescuers Down Under. Enjoy an evening of wine, appetizers, music, fashion, silent auction and fun in support of this star! More info
Bye Bye Birdie
Palm Canyon Theatre presents the musical Bye Bye Birdie from July 5–14. Set in the 1950s, this story is reminiscent of the King of Rock. A songwriter finds himself in trouble when the rock-and-roll teen hearthrob he writes for, Conrad Birdie, is drafted into the Army. As a publicity stunt to record and sell one more hit record before he is sent overseas, a televised farewell is planned with Birdie set to kiss a preselected All-American girl. Get tickets
Dive in Movie: Jaws
The Palm Desert Aquatic Center presents Jaws, a more grown-up offering than the usual fare for their Dive-In Movie Series this week on Friday, July 12 at 7:30 pm. Select pool areas will be open, and slides and splash playground will be open. Snacks, refreshments and treats will be on sale. With limited seating poolside, guests are encouraged to bring towels for the grass areas. No outside chairs/furniture, food or beverages are allowed. More info
Stuft Pizza 10th Anniversary
Stuft Pizza is celebrating its 10th Anniversary at the Palm Desert location on Friday, July 12 with an all-day $10 menu and fun giveaways. The business will be recognized at a special celebration at 4 pm, when the City of Palm Desert and the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce honor Stuft for their legacy and community service. The daylong celebration rocks on through the evening when The John Stanley King Band will perform live from 6:30–9:30 pm. More info
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
The Palm Springs Cultural Center is bringing you the full Star Wars Saga in epic big-screen glory, unfolding one film at a time, every Summer Saturday at 6 pm with a pre-show and cocktails starting at 5 pm. This Saturday, July 13, the series continues with Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. Get tickets
Virtual ShortFest @Home Pass
Though ShortFest may have wrapped up a couple of weeks ago, you will be able to stream a selection of award-winning and audience favorite short films from this year’s festival with the ShortFest @Home Pass, allowing you full access to the Virtual ShortFest, through Sunday, July 14. Crank up the AC, get cozy, and get your pass!
Ask a Gay Doc: Trichophyton & Monkeypox
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 8, John and Dr. Corzano discuss a new sexually transmitted fungal infection in MSM communities, and a rise in the incidence of Monkeypox. 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.
Alice by Heart – A New Musical
Palm Springs Art Museum and Musical Theatre University partner once again to bring “art to life” with the regional premiere of the new musical Alice by Heart this Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, July 12, 13 & 14 (Sunday matinee) at the Annenberg Theatre. In the rubble of the London Blitz of World War II, Alice Spencer’s budding teen life is turned upside down, and she and her dear friend Alfred are forced to take shelter in an underground tube station. When the ailing Alfred is quarantined, Alice encourages him to escape with her into their cherished book and journey down the rabbit hole to Wonderland. Get tickets
ACT for Multiple Sclerosis – 14th Annual “Jazz It Up”
Join Bill Marx, son of Harpo Marx, for “Jazz It Up,” a charity evening on Sunday, July 14 from 5–8 pm at Mission Hills Country Club. This benefit for ACT for Multiple Sclerosis features live music by Bill Marx and his trio with vocalist Gregg Marx. Enjoy classic tunes, a hosted cocktail reception, buffet dinner, open bar, and a silent auction. Mingle and raise funds for a worthy cause! Get tickets
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Saturday, July 13
Dusty Strings Collective: Bone Thumpers & Jessie Payo | 5:30–7:30 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Sunday, July 14
Ethyl’s Place Charity Bingo | 12 pm at The Roost
Jazz in the Pines Final Days
Idyllwild Arts Academy’s Jazz In The Pines, a beloved annual fundraiser, is wrapping up its 30th and final year with the last two events of the festival this weekend. On Friday, July 12 at 7:30 pm, it’s Marshall Hawkins’ Seahawk MoJO: A Tribute to Bob Boss, and on Saturday, July 13, the free Jazz In The Pines Student Showcase is at 10 am. As the curtain falls on Jazz In The Pines, this special edition promises to leave a lasting impression on audiences. Get tickets
Visitor Map & Guide Summer 2024 Edition
Check out our 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!
LOOKING AHEAD
Gay Wine Weekend 2024
Out In The Vineyard presents Gay Wine Weekend from Friday–Sunday, July 19–21 in the Russian River Valley/Healdsburg Region of Sonoma County. Guests will discover more of Sonoma County with new venues, wineries, and restaurants this year! Experience a wine-centered 3-day weekend of LGBTQ+ events with winemaker dinners, winery tours, wine & food, music, VIP receptions, excursions, drag queen brunch, auction, and pool party in a luxury destination. Get tickets
San Diego Pride
The San Diego Pride Festival is Saturday & Sunday, July 20 & 21, in Balboa Park. The Pride Festival is San Diego’s largest 2-day event highlighting the best in LGBTQ entertainment, interactive exhibits, cultural presentations, and community resources. Headliners include Todrick Hall, Rico Nasty, and Sheila E., plus Slayyter, J. Worra, Tommy Genesis, Kaleena Zanders and drag performances from Nymphia Wind, Lady Camden, Bosco, and Daya Betty. Saturday’s Pride Parade is among the largest in the United States, beginning at the Hillcrest Pride Flag at 10 am. More info
NEW! “Say KGAY” Apparel
This summer, 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 and 92.1 and Gay Desert Guide want you to WIN VIP GOLD TICKETS to Gay Days Anaheim, September 13–15 at Disneyland Resort. Join the handsome princes and the evil queens for a three-day weekend of parties and shows featuring Cheyenne Jackson, Raven, Chad Michaels, Varla Jean Merman and more! Find discounted hotels and park tickets along with a full schedule on our Gay Days Anaheim listing on Gay Desert Guide, 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
Monday, July 15 is Linda Ronstadt’s birthday, and 103.1 MeTV FM is celebrating all day with songs by this versatile artist! 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
- Bye Bye Birdie – presented by Palm Canyon Theatre
Jul 5–14 - The Full Star Wars Saga in Epic Big-Screen Glory
Saturdays, Jun 29–Sep 7 at Palm Springs Cultural Center - Living Out Art Walk
Wed. Jul 17 & Wed. Aug 14 from 5–7 pm at Living Out Palm Springs - Cocktail Cinema: Parasite
Thu. Jul 25 at 6 pm at the Annenberg Theater at PS Art Museum - Rock the City: Bruno Mars Tribute Band
Wed. Sep 28 at 7 pm at Indian Canyons Golf Resort - Palm Springs Leather Pride 2024: Deeper Than Ever
Oct 24–27
Awarded by LUXlife: ‘Luxury Gay Resort of the Year 2024 – North America’. A small super-deluxe smoke free resort with a gay male clientele. All suites (500 to 850 square feet) except for one room. Two pools, fireplaces, plantation shutters, plush linens, L’Occitane toiletries, dedicated secure WIFI and exceptional personal service. A staff to guest room ratio of one-to-one. Breathtaking mountain views and quiet location. Expanded European continental breakfast and catered lunch included in rates. In-suite massage services arranged. This is where you belong….Learn more
- Review: BYE BYE BIRDIE at Palm Canyon Theatre
- Sushi, Gyros, Waffles & More: Here’s What’s New in the Coachella Valley Food Scene
- KGAY Desert Guide Announces Partnership with Desert Business Association and National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce for Upcoming Global Conference in Palm Springs
- Palm Springs International Airport Launches TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center via CLEAR
- July is National UV Safety Month
Palm Springs Fine Men’s Salon is your haven for all men’s hair and grooming services. From ear waxing to manicures and pedicures and everything in between, the team at PS Fine Men’s Salon in Palm Springs is excited to give you an experience every man, especially a man in the desert, needs. Located in the historic Kaptur Plaza on Tahquitz Canyon Way, next to the Renaissance Hotel. Save 30% with our HOT DEAL and get a $50 gift card for just $35! Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at Monster Shakes, Destination PSP, Zin American Bistro, Hotel Zoso, Men’s Grooming Spot, 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.
