The birthday greetings started Wednesday when I stepped on my bathroom scales. After it calculated my weight (which I’m not happy about), the LED display wished me HBD — even though it was two days early. So I wonder what else it’s wrong about…
Thanks to social media, my birthdate is not a secret. The year can be fudged, but I’ll reveal that this is the year I’ll get my kicks at age 66.
My recent mantra is that getting older is not for the faint of heart. Luckily, my doctor gave me a clean bill of health this week – 19 blood tests later. We’re about the same age, so we have lots to compare and contrast. Longevity runs in the family, so there’s potentially many years ahead.
Medical science has advanced in so many ways and in just the blink of a cosmic eye. One advance that saved our community was the discovery of HIV meds and treatments. Saturday, I’ll be hosting the annual Positively Aging Project’s Conference at Mizell Center. There are so many long term survivors now, and the gathering helps share research and stories of hope. They are able to celebrate birthdays without fear that it could be their last.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Cinema Diverse 2024 – Weekend 1
The 17th anniversary celebration of LGBTQ+ cinema at Cinema Diverse 2024 is underway and running two long weekends: September 19-22 and September 26-29. The Palm Springs Cultural Center hosts this vibrant film festival, showcasing a diverse array of feature films and short films from around the world. This year’s lineup promises to captivate audiences with compelling stories, unique perspectives, and powerful performances. Audience members will have the chance to experience the magic of cinema and connect with filmmakers, actors, and fellow movie lovers. See our event listing for the full schedule of screenings: Get tickets
29 Queer Film Festival
The 1st Annual 29 Queer Film Festival takes place this Friday–Sunday, September 20–22 at Theatre 29 in Twentynine Palms. Founded by filmmakers Graham Kolbeins and Jonathan Andre Culliton, the festival will showcase a diverse array of queer cinema, including short films, horror films, and a superhero film. Highlights include the world premieres of “Papi’s Pregnant” and “Willa Justice: Drag Queen Private Eye,” as well as a special screening of “The People’s Joker.” The event will also feature panels, performances, and the presentation of the “Coyote Courage Award” to actor Vico Ortiz. Get tickets
Greater Joshua Tree Art Expo – Final Weekend
The Greater Joshua Tree Art Expo is taking place September 6–22 at the Joshua Tree Gallery of Contemporary Art, open daily from 2–6 pm. The Gallery is dedicated to showcasing diverse and thought-provoking exhibitions in a technologically advanced space, making world-class art accessible to all. More info
Positively Aging Project: Inspiring Stories of Living with HIV
The 2024 Positively Aging Project takes place on Saturday, September 21, from 9 am–3 pm at the Mizell Center. This annual community conference, organized by the HIV + Aging Research Project (HARP-PS), offers both in-person and virtual attendance options. Hosted by K-Gay Desert Guide’s own Brad Fuhr, the event aims to provide practical information and inspiration for those living long-term with HIV. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from top experts in HIV research, including keynote speaker Waheedah Shabazz-El, who will discuss the latest developments in HIV and aging. This conference is a fantastic opportunity to connect with others, gain valuable insights, and celebrate the resilience of the HIV community. More info
The Purple Room: Jane Monheit Album Release
Jane Monheit, the acclaimed jazz vocalist, will be performing at The Purple Room Supper Club in Palm Springs on Friday and Saturday, September 20 & 21. This special evening will feature music from her upcoming self-titled album, showcasing her interpretations of the Great American Songbook, Brazilian composers, and renowned singer-songwriters. Known for her rich, emotive voice and impeccable phrasing, Monheit’s performance promises to be a captivating experience for jazz enthusiasts and music lovers alike! Then on Sunday, September 22, catch the hilarious and glamorous parody of Judy Garland and her iconic guests in Michael Holmes’ “The Judy Show!” Get tickets
Jackie Beat’s Drag Queen Story Hour – No Children Allowed!
The incomparable Jackie Beat returns with an ALL-NEW, laugh-out-loud show you can’t miss! Jackie Beat’s DRAG QUEEN STORY HOUR is an adults-only evening of fun on Friday, September 20 at 7 pm at Dietlart Gallery. Jackie will read from the hilariously outdated 1958 book The Problem of Homosexuality and perform some delightfully filthy songs. Get tickets
Billy L’Amour: Flaming Queen!
Singing & dancing drag queen sensation Billy L’Amour is turning up the heat in her sizzling hot new show FLAMING QUEEN on Saturday, September 21 at 7:30 pm at Revolution Stage Company. Join Billy for a fabulous musical review inspired by the legendary ladies of Las Vegas, such as Lola Falana, Ann-Margret, and Bette Midler. You’ll discover what gets Ms. L’Amour hot, what sends her into a blazing rage and she’ll even show you how to turn up the heat in your very own bedroom! FLAMING QUEEN features all live singing, dazzling dance moves, sumptuous costumes and some naughty song parodies. Get tickets
Palm Springs International Comedy Festival Awards Gala
The Palm Springs International Comedy Festival presents their Awards Gala on Saturday, September 21, at Hotel Zoso. The event kicks off with a red carpet at 4 pm, followed by cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at 5 pm. The awards ceremony starts at 6 pm, and the evening wraps up with an after-party at 8:30 pm. Hosted by Ahmed Ahmed, the Gala features special guests like Tom Arnold, Luenell, Jonathan Kite, Cybill Shepherd, Will Sasso, and special guest Kathy Griffin. The festival continues next weekend with comedy shows, films, Q&A’s, events, parties and more, including Tommi Rose’s LGBTQ+ Extravaganza on Friday, September 27. More info
Sunnylands Films in the Gardens: Monster House
Sunnylands presents its popular Films in the Gardens series, this week featuring Monster House on Friday, September 20 at 7:30 pm. Monster House is a 2006 animated supernatural horror comedy about three kids who discover that their neighbor’s house is a living, breathing monster. Enjoy this free outdoor movie night; bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and small picnics to the beautiful gardens of Sunnylands Center & Gardens in Rancho Mirage, perfect for a cozy evening under the stars. Upcoming: ParaNorman (2012) on 9/27. More info
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
Palm Canyon Theatre presents How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, running this Thursday through Sunday, September 19–22. This satirical musical comedy follows J. Pierpont Finch, an ambitious young man who climbs the corporate ladder by using questionable tactics and manipulating his colleagues. The show satirizes the cutthroat world of business and the lengths people will go to achieve success. Get tickets
CVRep Auditions
Coachella Valley Repertory (CVRep) is holding auditions on Saturday, September 21 from 10 am–1 pm and 2–4 pm. They are seeking talented actors for upcoming productions: Next to Normal (Rehearsals/Performances: October 22–November 24), The 39 Steps (Rehearsals/Performances: November 26–December 22), and The Light in the Piazza (Rehearsals/Performances: December 30–February 9, 2025). If you are unable to attend in person, please send your headshot, resume, and links. Don’t miss this chance to be part of our vibrant theater community! More info
International Day of Peace
Join in observation of the International Day of Peace, (established by the United Nations as Sept. 21), on Sunday, September 22, from 6–8 pm at the Miracle Springs Resort and Spa in Desert Hot Springs. This free event, featuring light food and drinks, will include an awards ceremony honoring notable individuals and groups such as State Senator Steve Padilla, Rusell Betts, Ron Oden, AMVETS Express Volunteers, the Palm Springs Police LGBTQ Outreach Committee, Julian Assange, and Jose Garduno. The keynote speaker will be Cathedral City Council Member Rita Lamb, with music provided by JB. More info
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
All Week Long
Mexican Independence Day Celebration at Agua Caliente Cathedral City
Friday, September 20
Healthy Desert, Healthy You | Fri & Sat Sep. 20 & 21 at Westin Rancho Mirage
Country Dance Fridays: Beginner Waltz with Jan Alden | 7 pm at Step by Step
KANSAS at The Show | 8 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage
Saturday, September 21
Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market | 8 am–1 pm indoors at the Palm Springs Pavilion
UCP Annual Bowl-A-Thon | 12–4 pm at Palm Springs Lanes
Best of Coachella Valley Voting Begins
The Coachella Valley Independent‘s annual Best of Coachella Valley reader’s poll is now open for voting! We would love a repeat of our wins last year! The top three to six vote-getters in each category have moved on to this Final Round of voting, which will run online at CVIndependent.com through Sunday, October 20. Cast your vote for Best Local DJ under the “Arts” section, which includes finalists KGAY 106.5 Retro Lunch Djs: DJ Eric Ornelas and DJ Galaxy, and Modgirl of the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance! Then, under the “Life in the Valley” section, for Best Local Radio Personality please consider John Taylor of the KGAY 106.5 Morning Show, and Patrick Evans of 103.1 MeTV FM. Finally, also under “Life in the Valley,” for Best Radio Station, please consider KGAY 106.5 and 103.1 MeTV FM! The winners and other results will be announced at CVIndependent.com on Monday, Nov. 25; on News Channel 3 the week of Dec. 2; and in the special Best of Coachella Valley section in the Independent’s December 2024 print edition. Vote Today
Best of Desert Voting Community’s Choice Begins
The Best of Desert Community’s Choice Awards voting round has also begun; join in celebrating your favorite local businesses and organizations with your vote. We are proud to have scored several nominations! Vote for your favorites, including our two radio stations: KGAY 106.5 and 103.1 MeTV FM. Don’t forget our on-air personalities John Taylor (KGAY 106.5 FM) and Patrick Evans (103.1 MeTV FM) as well as DJ Galaxy and 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! Voting is open through Monday, September 30. VOTE Today!
Ask a Gay Doc Ep 13: HealthyPSTest.org
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 13, John and Dr. Corzano are joined by Dr. Phyllis Ritchie, founder of HealthyPSTest.org Palm Springs Free STI testing and treatment clinic. Healthy IS sexy! 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.
Lesbian Health Survey
A network of Coachella Valley lesbian and queer women’s support groups is conducting a Lesbian Health Survey to address health disparities and enhance care. Community members can participate by visiting bit.ly/ValleyHealth. The survey will gather data to inform future health initiatives and support services for lesbian and bisexual women in the valley. Learn more
LOOKING AHEAD
DBA Mixer at PS Homeboys
Join PS Homeboys owners Jeremy Taylor and Niels Kosman on Monday, September 23 at 5:30 pm as they host a Networking Mixer for the Desert Business Association (DBA). They will provide an overview of the upcoming 3rd Pride Under The Pines event on October 5th in Idyllwild. PS Homeboys, voted Best Furniture Showroom of the Coachella Valley, will also showcase their curated collection of Midcentury and modern furniture pieces, offering a range of options that cater to various aesthetics and preferences. More info
Visitor Map & Guide
Check out our 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!
“Say KGAY” Apparel
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. Pick a color and place our SAY KGAY slogan on the front or back. Get yours in time for Palm Springs Pride! 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 is giving you the chance to WIN TICKETS to see Justin Timberlake live on January 20, 2025, at Acrisure Arena. This is your opportunity to experience Timberlake’s “Forget Tomorrow World Tour” up close and personal, marking his return to the stage after a five-year hiatus, supporting his sixth studio album, Everything I Thought It Was. Don’t miss out on this incredible event! Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page!
Don’t miss your chance to WIN 2 TICKETS to the Season 3 home opener of the Coachella Valley Firebirds, courtesy of KGAY 106.5 and 92.1 FM! Join us on Friday, October 11 at 7 pm at Acrisure Arena, as the Firebirds take on the Bakersfield Condors. All ticket packages are on sale now at cvfirebirds.com, including season tickets, flex tickets, group tickets, 9-game packs, and half-season tickets, with prices starting as low as $29. 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 Modgirl airs every Sunday from 4–6 pm (right after the Retro Brunch). Listen to KGAY 106.5 online
This Saturday, September 21, Modgirl will be spinning at Neon Oasis from 9 pm–2 am!
103.1 MeTV FM
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
- Cinema Diverse: The Palm Springs LGBTQ Film Festival
Sep 19–22 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Positively Aging Project – Inspiring Stories of Living with HIV
Sat. Sep 21 from 9 am–3 pm at Mizell Center - How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
Sep 13–22 at Palm Canyon Theatre - Jane Monheit for two nights, plus The Judy Show!
This weekend, Sep 20-22, at The Purple Room Supper Club - Greater Joshua Tree Art Expo
Sep 6–22 at the Joshua Tree Gallery of Contemporary Art - Cinema Diverse: Witchy Ways
Fri. Sep 27 at 6 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Pride Under the Pines 2024
Sat. Oct 5 in Idyllwild - One Night Out Rio
Sat. Oct 5 from 6–10 pm at the Palm Springs Air Museum - Casual Concours 2024: Freeway of Love
Sat. Oct 12 from 9 am–2 pm at Indian Canyons Golf Resort - Modernism Week – October
Oct. 24–27 - Palm Springs Leather Pride 2024: Deeper Than Ever
Thu.–Sun. Oct 24–27 - 2024 EQCA Equality Awards Palm Springs
Sat. Oct 26 from 3–6 pm at Margaritaville Resort - Palm Springs Pride 2024: “Be You”
Oct 31–Nov 3 - HRC Palm Springs Garden Party
Sat. Nov 2 from 2–4:30 pm - Palm Springs Pride Parade
Sun. Nov 3 at 10 am along Palm Canyon Drive - 20th Annual Greater Palm Springs Summit
Tue. Nov 19 from 8–11 am at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage - 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival and Awards
Jan 2–13, 2025
Just Fabulous specializes in trendy, unapologetically bold fashion, home accessories, books and more for the LGBTQ+ community, celebrating individuality and self-expression. Discover their best-selling collections designed to elevate your style and showcase your fabulousness! Learn more
H3K Home+Design provides a wide range of interior design services and solutions for residential and commercial clients. Their home furnishing showrooms feature Midcentury modern and contemporary decor while focusing on quality, functionality, exceptional design, and affordability. Their Interior Design Team will dazzle you with their fabulous and affordable furnishings and help you achieve design nirvana. You can shop online 24/7 from the comfort of your living room at H3K Home+Design Online! Learn more
My Little Flower Shop offers flowers & bouquets for weddings, gifts, LGBTQ, special occasions, funerals, and flowers for all kinds of events. They are the premiere full service floral and event design studio in Palm Springs. Combined, their staff has over 50 years experience designing, planning and executing one-of-a-kind, high profile social, corporate and charity benefit special events, including the Academy Awards and Presidential Inaugurations. Learn more
- Hiking With T: Enjoy a Variety of Outdoor Events Now That Cooler Temps Are Finally Here
- Palm Springs AIDS Memorial Task Force Shares New Memorial Design
- Neon Trees to Headline Palm Springs Pride’s Día de la Reina Opening Night of Pride Week on October 31, 2024
- Voting in California? Here Are 8 Places to Find Unbiased Election Info and Fact Checks
- The Washington Blade Interviews President Joe Biden
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 Modgirl spinning the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance from 4–6 pm.
