Vanilla soft serve was always known as “plain” when I was growing up. It was my favorite flavor when the rest of the family ordered chocolate or strawberry. But vanilla is a real flavor with nuanced taste and aromas as well. So when one thinks about “vanilla” in terms of sex, it conjures up certain norms – like the sex your parents had…
“Unbound: an act of bondage” now being performed in a north Palm Springs warehouse space, made me think about this as we embark upon Palm Springs Leather Pride weekend. The story is that of a young man (Justin P. Lopez) experimenting and pushing his own limits, learning from a ”Dom” played by John Zurek (who knows his knots!)
The leather community is not well known to me – or to many. But understanding that fetish, kinks and role play are a part of their experience piques my interest. So I’ll be attending Leather Pride this weekend with a new appreciation for ropes, and imbibing a vanilla rum and Coke as I observe. I do recommend you see ”Unbound” before its run is up next weekend – no matter what flavors you enjoy.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide & KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
For the latest, follow our socials @GayDesertGuide and @KGAY1065 and listen to KGAY Palm Springs wherever you may be!
P.S. If you’re not getting the
#ILoveGayPalmSprings
#ILoveGayCatCity
#ILoveGayTravel
#PalmSpringsPride
Palm Springs Halloween on Arenas Road
Halloween Palm Springs returns to Arenas Road on Sunday, October 30 from 4–10 pm with live entertainment including headliners Ada Vox, Willie Gomez, and David Hernandez, plus KGAY’s own DJ Galaxy and many more taking the stage. You can be on stage, too, and compete for over $1500 in prizes in the Halloween Costume Contest. Register no later than 7:45 pm for the contest starting at 8 pm. More info
Palm Springs Leather Pride: Eruption – Meat ‘n Heat
The Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert presents Palm Springs Leather Pride 2022 this Thursday–Sunday from October 27–30. This year’s theme is Eruption: Meat ‘n Heat and attendees choose from the Explosion or Discharge packages to gain admission to multiple pool parties, parking lot cruise parties and vendor mart, cigar social, Mr. Palm Springs Leather competition, Victory Dance, the closing party and celebration at host Hotel Zoso. Packages also include the Leather Pride 2022 T-shirt and pin. The formal Leather Pride Dinner is included in the Explosion package, or you can buy tickets to events a la carte, and there is a special Women’s Package (sans pool parties) as well. Check out our event listing for the full rundown of events and ticket links!
Desert AIDS Walk – Walk, Out Loud
Join DAP Health as the 2022 Desert AIDS Walk, ‘Walk, Out Loud’ takes place on Saturday, October 29 from 7:30 am–1 pm. This year, in addition to walking for friends and family members who we lost because of AIDS, we also walk in support of health equity and health justice for all. The walk starts at Ruth Hardy Park, following a route through downtown Palm Springs and back to Ruth Hardy Park and the Health and Wellness Village. Your participation in the 2022 Desert AIDS Walk helps fund the vital work of DAP Health, an advocacy-based healthcare organization that provides service to over 10,000 individuals in the Coachella Valley. More info
Ross Mathews Returns to KGAY Airwaves
Ross Mathews is back and gayer than ever! After a honeymoon hiatus, his popular weekly radio show on KGAY 106.5 returns on Saturday, October 29 from 11:00 am–2 pm. That’s 50% more Ross because now it’s a three-hour show! Ross is a part-time Palm Springs resident and currently working on the Drew Barrymore Show, RuPaul’s Drag Race and many other projects. He will bring celebrity gossip and news, plus a rundown of what’s happening each weekend in #ILoveGayPalmSprings as he plays some of his favorite dance hits each weekend on KGAY. Listen Online
Choir Boy – A Palm Springs Pride Event
Dezart Performs presents Choir Boy, running from October 28–November 6 at the Pearl McManus Theater. This 2019 Tony-nominated drama is a moving story of sexuality, race, hope, gospel music, and a young gay man finding his voice. What happens when young student Pharus does not fit the mold for a typical “Drew man” at the at Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys? Pharus is different from his peers, and his effeminate nature constantly sets him apart. Though he may be the leader and most talented member of Drew’s renowned gospel choir, he struggles to gain their acceptance and respect. Get tickets
Sordid Lives Benefit Screening
The Del Shores Foundation presents a one-night-only 22nd anniversary benefit screening of the original Sordid Lives film where it all began at the Camelot Theatres at the Palm Springs Cultural Center on Saturday, October 29 at 7:30 pm. The evening will be hosted by creator Del Shores and Del Shores Foundation Program Director Emerson Collins with appearances by original film cast members Rosemary Alexander, Newell Alexander, and Ann Walker. The evening will feature a Sordid Lives Costume Contest with prizes for the top three costumes, and surely some remembrances of the incomparable Leslie Jordan in the wake of his recent passing, and of course the screening of the film. All proceeds from the evening will benefit the Del Shores Foundation and its mission to find and elevate new LGBTQ+ writers living in the South. Get tickets
Our Visitor Map & Guide for Pride/Fall 2022 is Here!
Just in time for the fall season, which also means Pride season here in Greater Palm Springs, we present our Visitor Map & Guide Pride/Fall 2022! 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 our printed version around town if you’re here, or if planning a visit, you can view and download it right here, right now!
